Justice Gatembu Kairu has been elected as the new President of the Court of Appeal after securing a majority of votes in an election conducted by judges of the appellate court.
Justice Kairu garnered 26 votes out of the 41 ballots cast during the secret ballot exercise, emerging ahead of fellow candidates Lady Justice Lydia Achode, Justice Patrick Kiage and Lady Justice Agnes Murgor.
The election, which was overseen by officials from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), was held following the expiry of the term of former Court of Appeal President Justice Daniel Musinga on May 24, 2026.
Judges of Appeal participated in the voting process to choose the next head of the country’s second-highest court through a secret ballot.
Vote counting took place immediately after polling, with Justice Kairu emerging victorious after obtaining the required majority support from his colleagues.
The contest had attracted four candidates, namely Justice Gatembu Kairu, Justice Patrick Kiage, Lady Justice Agnes Murgor and Lady Justice Lydia Achode, all of whom are senior judges serving at the Court of Appeal.
Justice Kairu now takes over the leadership of the Court of Appeal at a time when the judiciary continues to handle key constitutional, electoral and public interest matters.
The position of President of the Court of Appeal is one of the most senior leadership roles within the Judiciary and is responsible for providing administrative and judicial leadership to the appellate court.
His election marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Court of Appeal following the completion of Justice Daniel Musinga’s tenure after years of service at the helm of the institution.
