NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 22 – Justice Gatembu Kairu has been elected the new President of the Court of Appeal after winning a competitive election conducted by judges of Kenya’s appellate court.Justice Gatembu secured 26 votes out of the 41 ballots cast, defeating three other senior judges — Lady Justice Lydia Achode, Justice Patrick Kiage, and Lady Justice Agnes Murgor.The election ushers in a new leadership chapter at the Court of Appeal, Kenya’s second-highest judicial institution after the Supreme Court.As President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Gatembu will be responsible for overseeing the administration and management of the appellate court while also providing judicial leadership and coordination among judges serving at the level.The position became vacant following the end of the tenure of former Court of Appeal President Justice William Ouko Musinga, paving the way for the election of new leadership within the judiciary.Justice Gatembu’s election is expected to play a significant role in shaping the direction of the appellate court, particularly in the handling of major constitutional, electoral, and public interest appeals.The Court of Appeal remains a critical institution in Kenya’s justice system, handling appeals from the High Court and other tribunals across the country.