Mohamed Warsame Sworn in as Supreme Court Judge
Mohamed Warsame becomes the third Muslim judge to serve on the Supreme Court bench
President William Ruto on Thursday presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame as Kenya’s newest Supreme Court judge during an event held at State House, Nairobi, marking a significant moment in the country’s judicial landscape.
In his remarks, President Ruto congratulated Justice Warsame on his elevation to the apex court, describing the appointment as both a personal achievement and a national honour. He noted that Justice Warsame becomes only the 14th Kenyan to serve on the Supreme Court since its establishment under the 2010 Constitution nearly 15 years ago.
“I congratulate you, Justice Mohamed Warsame, on becoming the 14th distinguished Kenyan to earn the singular honour and privilege of serving as a judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya since the court’s establishment nearly 15 years ago,” President Ruto said.
The Head of State praised Justice Warsame’s long judicial career, saying his integrity, experience, and dedication to justice would play a key role in strengthening the Judiciary and enhancing public confidence in the rule of law.
“As you join your six colleagues on the Bench, you now assume the solemn responsibility of preserving the court’s distinguished institutional heritage, enriching the development of its jurisprudence, and fortifying the foundations of justice upon which our constitutional order rests,” the President stated.
President Ruto further emphasized the critical role of the Supreme Court in safeguarding constitutionalism, resolving disputes of national importance, and protecting democratic governance. He said the court remains a central pillar in maintaining public trust in state institutions and ensuring justice for all Kenyans.
Chief Justice Martha Koome also lauded Justice Warsame during the ceremony, describing him as an accomplished jurist with a strong record of service in the Judiciary. She highlighted his impressive performance during the Judicial Service Commission interviews, particularly his high case clearance rate, commitment to fairness, and deep understanding of the law.
Justice Warsame has had a distinguished judicial career spanning more than two decades. Before his elevation to the Supreme Court, he served as a judge of the Court of Appeal, where he earned recognition for his jurisprudence, independence, and contribution to the development of constitutional and commercial law in Kenya. Over the years, he has handled several landmark cases and has been widely respected within legal circles for his firm yet balanced approach to justice.
President Ruto formally appointed Justice Warsame through a gazette notice issued on Tuesday, May 5, following his nomination by the Judicial Service Commission after a competitive recruitment process.
Mohamed Warsame becomes the third Muslim judge to serve on Kenya’s Supreme Court bench after Dr Wali Muhammad Mutunga — the country’s first Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, who served from 2011 to 2016 — and Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim, who served on the apex court from its inception in 2011 until his death in December last year.
Established in 2011 under the 2010 Constitution, the Supreme Court of Kenya is the country’s highest judicial authority. The court is mandated to hear presidential election petitions, interpret constitutional matters of national importance, and provide final judicial determinations on critical legal disputes. It consists of seven judges, including the Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice.