Senior counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has sparked debate following the release of a list of 15 nominees for appointment as judges of the Court of Appeal by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
In a statement on X on Thursday, Ahmednasir offered a sharply divided assessment of the nominees, praising some while accusing others of serious misconduct.
“Some excellent choices and some known criminals. Some will do justice and develop the law. Some will make loads of money,” he wrote, adding that the legal fraternity is well aware of both the credible and questionable figures on the list.
The JSC earlier announced the nominees after concluding interviews for vacancies at the appellate court, a key institution in Kenya’s judicial hierarchy.
Among those shortlisted is Issack Hassan, the current chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and Katwa Kigen, a senior advocate who has previously represented President William Ruto.
The list also includes several serving High Court judges: Chacha Mwita, Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo and Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich.
Other nominees are Justice Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lilan, Justice Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello and Justice Byram Ongaya.
Ahmednasir’s remarks have drawn attention to long-standing concerns about integrity, accountability and consistency within Kenya’s judiciary, especially at the higher courts.
His comments reflect broader public scrutiny that often accompanies senior judicial appointments, where questions of past conduct, independence and competence are closely examined.
The JSC process requires that the nominees’ names be forwarded to the President for appointment, subject to approval by the National Assembly.