The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame for a Supreme Court judgeship in Kenya, pending President William Ruto's appointment. The nomination fills the vacancy left by Justice Mohamed Khadhar Ibrahim, who died in December last year. Warsame was interviewed today and nominated hours later.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame for a Supreme Court position, as announced by Chief Justice Martha Koome. "I am therefore pleased to announce that the Judicial Service Commission has nominated the Honourable Mr Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Wasame for appointment to the Supreme Court of Kenya," Koome stated.
Under Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution, the President appoints Supreme Court judges on JSC recommendation, formalized by Gazette Notice. Prior to this, Warsame served at the Court of Appeal since 2012, and previously as a High Court judge in Commercial, Criminal, and Judicial Review divisions. He holds an LLB from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Warsame will replace Justice Mohamed Khadhar Ibrahim, who died in December last year at age 69. He joins Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, Justice Smokin Wanjala, Lady Justice Njoki Ndung'u, Justice Isaac Lenaola, and Justice William Ouko.
Koome said the commission was satisfied with Warsame's constitutional qualities, including professional competence, integrity, fairness, sound judgement, and commitment to the rule of law. During the interview, responding to Lady Justice Njoki Ndung'u, Warsame said, "I have never in my duty gone against the will of the Chief Justice, having worked with four Chief Justices."
Among the six nominees was Court of Appeal Judge Katwa Kigen, an ally of President Ruto, who was not selected despite addressing bias concerns.