Justice Gatembu Kairu elected new President of Kenya’s Court of Appeal

Yesterday’s election of Justice Gatembu Kairu as the new President of the Court of Appeal of Kenya makes the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of the Court as it continues to uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional values, and deliver justice to the people of Kenya, said Chief Justice Martha Koome.

In an election that also featured Lady Justice Lydia Achode, Justice Patrick Kiage, and Lady Justice Agnes Murgor as candidates for President, Justice Kairu clinched 26 votes out of the 41 ballots cast by fellow judges of the Court of Appeal.

Chief Justice Koome shared that in keeping with the judiciary’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity, the election was conducted by secret ballot and overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, ensuring a free, fair, transparent, and credible process.

“Justice Kairu brings to the office extensive experience as an advocate, arbitrator, mediator, legal scholar, and Judge of the Court of Appeal,” said the Chief Justice. “His career reflects a longstanding commitment to the administration of justice, the rule of law, and the advancement of judicial excellence in the Republic of Kenya.”

Justice Kairu succeeds Justice Daniel Musinga in the role of President, following the expiry of Justice Musinga’s non-renewable five-year term last month. Justice Kairu, who turns 66 next month, originally joined the bench in 2012, after a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Prior to joining the bench, the new President of the Court of Appeal was a longtime lecturer at the University of Nairobi - teaching courses ranging from Alternative Dispute Resolution to Banking Law, HIV/AIDS and the Law to Civil Procedure and Practice - and worked in private practice, as an associate at Kimani Kairu & Company Advocates then co-founding Kairu & McCourt Advocates in 1993, where he remained a partner until 2009 when he became a full-time arbitrator and mediator.

Speaking following his election, Justice Kairu stressed collaboration, mutual respect, and collective decision making as guideposts for his leadership of the Court.

“The strength of a collegiate court lies entirely in its collective wisdom,” he said, while expressing gratitude to his Court of Appeal colleagues for their faith and confidence in him. “I view this presidency not as a position of singular authority, but as a commitment to serve you, to facilitate your vital work, and to ensure our Court is a beacon of administrative efficiency and uncompromised justice.”

Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama SC was among many to offer congratulations to Justice Kairu on his election as President of the Court of Appeal.

“As he succeeds Justice Daniel Musinga, may his tenure strengthen judicial independence, enhance public confidence in the administration of justice and advance the constitutional promise of access to justice for all,” shared Kanjama. “We wish him every success as he steers our second highest court.”