Justice Aggrey Muchelule has been appointed as the Principal Judge of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Court of Justice, a significant position in the region’s judicial landscape.
The announcement was made on Thursday, November 21, during the 27th Meeting of Attorneys General and Ministers of Justice in Lusaka, Zambia.
Kenya’s Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor, confirmed the appointment, expressing pride in Muchelule’s new role and praising his dedication and judicial excellence.
In a statement shared on X, Oduor described the appointment as an honor not only for Muchelule but also for Kenya as a whole.
Justice Muchelule, who currently serves as a Judge at the Court of Appeal, was unanimously elected to lead the COMESA Court for a five-year term.
The role places him at the helm of the court, which is crucial in resolving cross-border disputes and fostering legal cooperation among COMESA’s 21 member states.
“The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) represents a significant commitment to fostering regional integration, economic cooperation, and sustainable development among member states. This is achieved through shared resources, improved trade, and the welfare of its populations,” noted Oduor in her congratulatory message.
Muchelule brings over four decades of legal expertise to the role, having begun his career in 1982 as a District Magistrate.
He advanced through the ranks to become Chief Magistrate, serving in key regions such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kakamega, and Eldoret. In 2009, he was appointed to the High Court, where he presided over landmark cases and managed divisions in Kisii, Embu, Bungoma, and Kisumu.
He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Muchelule has also served on the Task Force on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and was a Commissioner with the Judicial Service Commission, playing a significant role in judicial reforms in Kenya.
Furthermore, he chaired the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association from 1994 to 1998.
While his rise to the COMESA Court has been a testament to his skill and integrity, it has not been without challenges.
Muchelule faced political setbacks in 2021 when he was controversially excluded from promotions under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Throughout his distinguished career, Muchelule has presided over high-profile cases, including the Ksh6 billion cocaine scandal and the Ksh5.8 billion Goldenberg affair.
His appointment to the COMESA Court marks another milestone in his remarkable legal journey.
