K.S.A. 60-263

If a judge before whom an action has been tried is unable, because of sickness, death or other disability, to perform the court's duties after a verdict is returned or findings of fact and conclusions of law are filed, any other judge sitting in or assigned to the court in which the action was tried may perform those duties. However, the successor judge may grant a new trial if the judge finds for any reason that the judge cannot perform those duties.