Kenya’s Justice Isaac Lenaola Takes Vice President Role at Sierra Leone’s Special Court
Kenya’s Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola has been unanimously elected as the Vice President of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL). The appointment took place during the Court’s Plenary session held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on February 29, 2024. Justice Lenaola will serve as the deputy to Justice Richard Lussick of Samoa, who was elected as President of the court for a two-year term.
Appointed to the Court in 2013 by the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, Justice Lenaola’s wealth of experience and commitment to justice make him a suitable choice for this prestigious role. The Judiciary of Kenya extended their congratulations to Justice Lenaola and expressed their confidence in his ability to succeed in his new position.
The RSCSL, successor to the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), has various mandates including witness protection and support, assistance to National Prosecution Authorities, and supervision of prison sentences. One notable individual under the court’s supervision is former President of Liberia, Charles Ghankay Taylor. Additionally, the RSCSL retains jurisdiction to try Johnny Paul Koroma, the only person indicted by the SCSL who is not in custody, if he is arrested after the closure of the Special Court.
