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Chief Justice of Kenya (2016–2021)
Reuben Kigame (born 13 March 1966) is a Kenyan gospel musician, author, and activist, widely recognized for blending artistry with social advocacy. Born in East Bunyore, Vihiga County, Kigame was the fifth of seven children. At the age of three, he lost his sight due to cataracts, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to resilience and faith. He attended the Kibos School for the Blind and the Salvation Army High School for the Blind, before pursuing higher education. Kigame earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University and later a Master of Science degree from Moi University. Kigame is one of Kenya’s most prolific gospel musicians, with a catalogue of more than twenty albums. His music, deeply rooted in Christian values, has served as both worship and a medium for social consciousness. Through song, he has addressed justice, governance, and the moral responsibilities of leadership, establishing himself as a cultural voice beyond the church. He founded the Seeing Hands Ministry, an initiative dedicated to empowering and supporting visually impaired people in Kenya. Beyond music, Kigame has been active in national civic movements, notably as part of the #LindaKatiba coalition, which defends Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
Appointed Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya (2016–2021)
Authored the historic judgment annulling the 2017 presidential election due to irregularities
Advised dissolution of Parliament in 2020 for failing to enact the two‑thirds gender rule
Chaired the Judiciary Committee on Elections (2015–2016) and a tribunal investigating a High Court judge
Served as Resident Judge of Nakuru and Presiding Judge of the Family Division in Nairobi
Practised law for over 25 years and chaired the Rift Valley Law Society
1978–2003: Private legal practice and chair of the Rift Valley Law Society
2003–2012: High Court judge serving in Mombasa, Nakuru and Nairobi; Resident Judge of Nakuru (2009–2010) and Presiding Judge of the Family Division (2010–2011)
2012–2016: Judge of the Court of Appeal
2015–2016: Chair of the Judiciary Committee on Elections and tribunal investigating a High Court judge
2016–2021: Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya
2021–present: Retired; engages in public advocacy, mentors youth and speaks on governance
Faced petitions alleging he attended Jubilee Party rallies and favoured members of his ethnic community in court staffing
Accused in 2020 of fathering a child out of wedlock and neglecting the child; he denied the allegations
Joined Gen Z protests in June 2025, leading to withdrawal of his security detail and political calls to strip his retirement benefits
Some critics contended that annulling the 2017 election and advising dissolution of Parliament were politically motivated, though supporters hailed his defence of constitutionalism
DEB Primary School, Bonyamatuta (1961–1967)
Maranda High School – O‑levels
Kisii High School – A‑levels
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Nairobi (1974–1977)
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Kenya School of Law (1977–1978)
Master of Laws (LL.M.), University of Nairobi (2010–2012)