CJ Koome Appoints 18 New Members to Political Parties Disputes Tribunal Ahead of 2027 Elections
Chief Justice Martha Koome has appointed 18 new ad hoc members to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), in a major development expected to strengthen the resolution of political disputes in Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The appointments, announced through a Gazette Notice issued on November 13, 2026, by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), will see the newly appointed members serve for a period of one year, effective October 28, 2026.
The move comes at a critical time when political parties across the country are intensifying their preparations for the next general election. With political realignments, coalition negotiations, party registration activities and nomination processes expected to increase in the coming months, the tribunal is likely to play a significant role in addressing disputes involving political parties and their members.
The appointment of the 18 members is expected to enhance the tribunal’s capacity to handle the growing number of political disputes that may emerge as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal is an important institution within Kenya’s electoral and political framework. It provides a platform for resolving disputes involving political parties, their members, coalition partners and other parties covered under the Political Parties Act.
The newly appointed members will work alongside the existing members of the tribunal, helping to strengthen its ability to handle cases efficiently and ensure that political disputes are addressed within the established legal framework.
The appointments were made under Section 39A of the Political Parties Act, which provides for the appointment of ad hoc members to the tribunal ahead of a general election.
Under the law, the Judicial Service Commission may appoint up to 18 ad hoc members, with nine being advocates of the High Court of Kenya with at least seven years of standing and the remaining nine being professionals with outstanding records in governance, administration, social, political, economic and other relevant fields.
The arrangement is intended to increase the tribunal’s capacity during periods when political activity and disputes are likely to rise significantly.
Full List of the 18 Members Appointed to the Tribunal
The Gazette Notice lists 18 individuals appointed to serve in the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal for a one-year term.
The first group of nine members was appointed under Section 39A(1)(a) of the Political Parties Act.
They include:
-
Brian Nyabuti Onderi
-
George Ngugi Gathuka
-
Joyann Makena Mbwiria
-
Maulline Gragau
-
Ogada Alvin Meso
-
Ruth Akoth Otieno
-
Abigail Buyanzi Samin
-
Bennette Wamwene Nzamba
-
Jane Wanjiku Ngochi
The second group of nine members was appointed under Section 39A(1)(b) of the same law.
The members include:
-
Victor Kiari Machoka
-
Mohamed Omar Haji
-
Antony Mmbaya Lumula
-
Alfred Otieno Onde
-
Namae Rose Sitati
-
Boaz Oyoo Were
-
Andrew G. Waruhiu
-
Joseph Riwongole Ngoriakou
-
Isaiah Sifuna Walubengo
The two groups bring the total number of newly appointed ad hoc members to 18, representing the maximum number permitted under the relevant provisions of the Political Parties Act.
The appointments are expected to provide additional personnel to assist the tribunal in carrying out its mandate during the period leading up to the next general election.
The members will serve under the chairperson of the tribunal and alongside the existing tribunal membership.
Their appointment is also expected to support the tribunal’s ability to manage the increasing demands associated with political party disputes, particularly during party nominations and election preparations.
