Nairobi, May 4 -- Before last week's nomination to the Supreme Court, Justice Mohamed Warsame had built a reputation for a consistent approach to commercial law, marked by firm enforcement of contracts and protection of property rights.

During the interviews, much of the national attention focused on his colleague at the Court of Appeal, Katwa Kigen, over his past legal work for President William Ruto and whether it could undermine public confidence in his impartiality.

Little national debate surrounded Mr Warsame's potential rise until Judicial Service Commission (JSC) chairperson Chief Justice Martha Koome announced it a few hours after the interviews closed.

A review of Mr Warsame's rulings shows strict application of contractual ob...