The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed 18 new members to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) for a one-year term.
The appointments were published in a Gazette Notice issued by Chief Justice Martha Koome, with the members’ tenure taking effect on October 28, 2026.
The appointments were made pursuant to Section 39A of the Political Parties Act, which grants the JSC authority to constitute membership of the tribunal.
Under Paragraph (1)(a) of the Act, the commission appointed nine members: 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.
Another nine members were appointed under Paragraph (1)(b). They are 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 formalised the appointments and specified that all 18 members would serve for a period of one year.
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The latest appointments come days after the Judiciary defended its handling of cases involving abductions and enforced disappearances, following criticism over its response to the incidents.
In a statement released on Saturday, November 7, Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo said the institution had taken note of a newspaper article questioning its response to reported abductions and alleged impunity among law enforcement agencies.
While acknowledging the media’s constitutional responsibility to promote transparency and accountability, the Judiciary cautioned against reporting that inaccurately portrayed the mandates of various State institutions.
The institution maintained that journalists must uphold accuracy and fairness while reporting on matters involving different arms of government.
Ndemo further emphasised that the Judiciary operates independently and impartially, with its mandate centred on resolving disputes and determining the rights and obligations of parties based on the Constitution, applicable laws and evidence presented before courts.
He clarified that the Judiciary was neither an investigative nor a prosecutorial or law enforcement agency, but was responsible for adjudicating disputes and holding individuals and institutions accountable through the legal process.
