Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola has been elected as the Vice President of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, as announced on Thursday, February 29.

In a statement, the Judiciary praised Justice Lenaola's wealth of experience and dedication to justice, deeming him a fitting choice for the prestigious role. The announcement highlighted his unanimous election during the Court's Plenary held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

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.

The Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, an ad hoc court and successor to the Special Court for Sierra Leone, focuses on witness protection, support, and managing government requests for evidence and information to aid investigations, prosecutions, forfeiture proceedings, and asylum cases.

In addition to these responsibilities, Justice Lenaola will oversee the supervision of prison sentences, pardons, commutations, and early releases. This duty includes ongoing obligations that may extend until 2055, such as inspecting prison conditions, monitoring time served, and determining release dates.

Justice Lenaola, a highly regarded judge, has a distinguished career spanning several roles within the Kenyan Judicial Service since 2003. He has served as a Resident Judge in various High Courts, a commissioner at the Judicial Service Commission, and a member of the Judicial Training Institute. Additionally, he held leadership positions such as Chairman of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association and Treasurer of the East African Magistrates and Judges Association before his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2016.