In a dramatic reshaping of the judiciary's second-highest court, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated former IEBC boss Issack Hassan and President Ruto’s longtime lawyer Katwa Kigen for appointment as Court of Appeal judges.

The nominations, announced by Chief Justice Martha Koome after a grueling week of interviews, signal a blend of rehabilitation and reward. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-11)The list of 15 nominees is intended to raise the court's bench strength from 27 to 42, a desperate measure to clear a suffocating backlog of cases.

Hassan's Judicial Redemption

For Ahmed Issack Hassan, this nomination completes a remarkable full circle. The former IEBC Chairperson left office in 2016 under a cloud of political pressure from the opposition, despite never being criminally indicted. His return as a Court of Appeal Judge is viewed by legal observers as a vindication of his professional standing.

"I have carried the scars of public service," Hassan told the panel during his interview. "But my commitment to the rule of law has never wavered." His experience in electoral law is expected to be a critical asset as the court prepares for the inevitable deluge of 2027 election petitions.

The "System" Lawyer?

The nomination of Katwa Kigen, a senior counsel, has drawn sharper whispers. Kigen famously represented William Ruto at the ICC and has been a fixture in the President's legal defense team for over a decade. While his legal competence is undisputed—he is a formidable litigator—critics will inevitably scrutinize his appointment through political lenses.

• The Bench Composition: Other notable nominees include High Court Principal Judge Chacha Mwita, known for his bold constitutional rulings, and Justice Hedwig Ong'udi. The mix of conservative and progressive judges suggests the JSC attempted a delicate balancing act.
• Clearing the Backlog: The Court of Appeal has been paralyzed by a shortage of judges. "Justice delayed is justice denied," Koome stated. "These 15 men and women are not just appointments; they are a rescue team."

The names now head to State House for formal gazettement. For Hassan, it is a walk back into the light; for Kigen, it is a step up to the bench; and for the Judiciary, it is a much-needed injection of manpower.