JSC Appoints New Members to Political Parties Disputes Tribunal

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed 18 new ad hoc members to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal for a period of one year.

The appointments were announced through a Gazette Notice issued by Chief Justice Martha Koome, with the new members set to serve effective October 28, 2026.

Join our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news updates.

The appointments were made under Section 39A of the Political Parties Act, which empowers the Judicial Service Commission to appoint members to the tribunal.

Under Paragraph (1) (a) of the Act, the JSC appointed nine members, namely Brian Nyabuti Onderi, George Ngugi Gathuka, Joyann Makena Mbwiria, Maulline Gragau, Ogada Alvin Meso, Ruth Akoth Otieno, Abigail Buyanzi Samin, Bennette Wamwene Nzamba and Jane Wanjiku Ngochi.

The Gazette Notice also listed nine additional members appointed under Paragraph (1) (b).

They included Victor Kiari Machoka, Mohamed Omar Haji, Antony Mmbaya Lumula, Alfred Otieno Onde, Namae Rose Sitati, Boaz Oyoo Were, Andrew G. Waruhiu, Joseph Riwongole Ngoriakou and Isaiah Sifuna Walubengo.

The Gazette Notice formally stated the appointments and the duration of the members' service.

This comes days after the Judiciary defended its handling of cases involving abductions and enforced disappearances.

In a statement on Saturday, November 7, Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo said its attention had been drawn to an article published by a local newspaper raising concerns about its response to incidents of abductions and alleged impunity by law enforcement agencies.

The Judiciary acknowledged the media's constitutional responsibility to promote accountability and transparency but cautioned against reporting that misrepresented the roles of different State institutions.

"The Judiciary recognises and respects the constitutional role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability and public discourse. We welcome constructive scrutiny of judicial institutions. 

"However, media freedom carries a corresponding responsibility to report accurately, fairly and with a proper appreciation of the constitutional mandates of different State institutions," the statement read.

Ndemo maintained that the Judiciary was an independent and impartial institution mandated to resolve disputes and determine the rights of parties based on the Constitution, the law and evidence presented before courts.

"It is important to appreciate that the Judiciary is an independent and impartial arbiter of disputes, not an investigative, prosecutorial or law enforcement agency. 

"The Judiciary's role is to adjudicate disputes, determine rights and hold persons and institutions accountable in accordance with the Constitution, the law and the evidence presented before it," the statement added.