Issack Hassan, Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa), has submitted his resignation.
Hassan, along with 14 other individuals, was sworn in as a Court of Appeal judge three weeks ago.
The former head of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had been at the helm of Ipoa since 2024.
“Consequently, the vice chairperson Anne Mwangi will now assume leadership of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Board as the procedure for appointing a new chairperson begins, in accordance with Section 11 of Cap 86 of the Laws of Kenya and paragraph 4 of the Second Schedule to the Act,” an Ipoa statement indicated.
The transition is proceeding in accordance with legal provisions.
Ipoa was created under the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act to ensure civilian supervision of the National Police Service (NPS).
President William Ruto oversaw the swearing-in ceremony for the 15 judges at State House.
The judges’ appointments took place on January 27, following a series of interviews.
These appointments were formalized through Gazette Notice No 1000 and are based on Article 166 (1) (b) of the constitution, which empowers the President to appoint judges of superior courts.
The newly appointed appellate judges comprise experienced jurists from the High Court, distinguished advocates, and legal experts.
Joining Hassan in the Court of Appeal are Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Enock Chacha Mwita, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo, and Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich.
President Ruto’s long-time legal counsel Katwa Kigen, along with Paul Lilan, Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello, and Byram Ongaya, were also among those sworn in.
These appointments have increased the number of judges in the Court of Appeal, Kenya’s second-highest judicial body, from 27 to 42.
This expansion is intended to enhance judicial capabilities and accelerate the resolution of appellate cases, which have experienced significant delays due to heavy caseloads.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) spearheaded the appointment process, conducting public interviews and comprehensive candidate vetting in compliance with constitutional requirements.
The selection methodology encompassed public vacancy announcements, public participation prior to shortlisting, transparent interviews, and meticulous evaluation based on professional competence, communication abilities, integrity, impartiality, and legal expertise.
Chief Justice Martha Koome characterized the recruitment process as “rigorous, transparent and competitive,” noting that the new judicial officers will contribute to reducing case backlogs and improving accessibility to justice.