Justice Warsame Abdulahi Mohammed Nominated as Supreme Court Judge
The Judicial Service Commission has nominated Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, marking a significant development in the country’s judicial landscape.
The announcement was made by Chief Justice Martha Koome shortly after the conclusion of interviews for the highly sought-after position on Wednesday, April 29.
“I am therefore pleased to announce that the Judicial Service Commission has nominated the Honourable Mr Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame for appointment to the Supreme Court of Kenya,” Koome stated, confirming the commission’s decision.
The nomination now awaits formal appointment by President William Ruto, in accordance with Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution, which mandates the Head of State to appoint Supreme Court judges based on recommendations from the JSC. The final appointment will be formalised through a Gazette Notice.
Justice Warsame, a seasoned jurist with decades of experience on the bench, was among the last candidates to appear before the JSC panel. His nomination was announced just hours after his interview, underscoring the commission’s confidence in his credentials and judicial track record.
Prior to this nomination, Warsame has been serving at the Court of Appeal since 2012, where he has handled a wide range of cases spanning commercial, constitutional, and criminal law. Before his elevation to the appellate court, he served as a High Court judge, including roles in the Commercial Division, Criminal Division, and the Judicial Review Division.
Legal observers have pointed to his extensive experience and consistency in jurisprudence as key factors that likely influenced his selection. His legal training includes a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
During his appearance before the JSC, Warsame addressed questions on judicial conduct and collegiality, particularly regarding his ability to work within the Supreme Court bench. “I have never in my duty gone against the will of the Chief Justice, having worked with four Chief Justices,” he told the panel, emphasizing his commitment to institutional harmony and respect for judicial hierarchy.
His nomination comes after a competitive recruitment process that featured several high-profile candidates. Among those interviewed was Court of Appeal Judge Katwa Kigen, whose exclusion from the final nomination list drew attention given his legal profile and prior representation of President Ruto in high-stakes cases.
Kigen had, during his interview, addressed concerns about potential bias due to his past legal work for the President, affirming his ability to remain impartial if appointed to the apex court. Despite his assurances, the JSC ultimately settled on Warsame as its preferred candidate.
The Supreme Court of Kenya plays a critical role as the apex judicial body, tasked with interpreting the Constitution, resolving presidential election disputes, and providing advisory opinions to the government. As such, appointments to the court are closely scrutinised due to their far-reaching legal and political implications.
Legal analysts have described the nomination as a strategic choice, citing his experience in handling complex appeals and his familiarity with constitutional matters. “This nomination reflects the commission’s preference for experience, stability, and a proven judicial record,” one legal expert noted.
As the process moves to the final stage, attention will now shift to the President’s formal appointment and the subsequent swearing-in ceremony, which will officially usher Justice Warsame into the Supreme Court.
The development marks another milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its judiciary and uphold the rule of law through transparent and merit-based appointments.
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Justice Warsame Abdulahi Mohammed Nominated as Supreme Court Judge
