NAIROBI, Kenya—Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Warsame has officially joined Kenya’s Supreme Court after taking the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony held Thursday at State House, Nairobi.

President William Ruto presided over the ceremony, which also featured the conferment of the rank of Senior Counsel to lawyers Jedidah Wakonyo Waruhiu and Evans Thiga Gaturu.

Justice Warsame now becomes part of the seven-judge bench of the apex court led by Chief Justice Martha Koome alongside Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and Justices Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndung’u, Isaac Lenaola, and William Ouko.

In his address, President Ruto challenged the newly sworn-in judge to uphold integrity, diligence, and independence while safeguarding the Supreme Court’s legacy as the country’s ultimate defender of the Constitution.

“Your conduct, diligence, wisdom, and integrity will shape public confidence in the judiciary and strengthen the rule of law,” President Ruto said.

The President praised the Supreme Court for its role in protecting constitutionalism and steering the country through critical legal and political moments since its establishment under the 2010 Constitution.

He said the court has continued to affirm the sovereignty of the people while delivering landmark judgments that have strengthened Kenya’s democratic space and judicial independence.

Justice Warsame was appointed to the apex court on May 6 following recommendations by the Judicial Service Commission after a successful vetting process.

He fills the vacancy created by the death of Justice Mohammed Ibrahim in December 2025.

Prior to his elevation, Warsame served at the Court of Appeal from 2012 after previously working as a High Court judge since 2003.

During his judicial career, he served in the Commercial, Criminal, and Judicial Review divisions of the High Court, where he earned recognition for efficiency and handling complex legal matters.