Kenya launches strong push for Justice Njoki Ndung’u’s ICC judge bid
The government of Kenya has thrown its full weight behind the candidacy of Supreme Court Judge, Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u for one of six judge positions at the International Criminal Court, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed.
Speaking at his Railways office while hosting Chief Justice Martha Koome and Justice Ndung’u, Mudavadi said the Cabinet and President William Ruto fully endorse her candidacy.
“I assured the Judiciary that our candidate has the backing of His Excellency the President, and that the Cabinet has endorsed her,” Mudavadi said.
He added that the Judiciary, together with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has begun strategising a coordinated campaign to promote Justice Ndung’u internationally.
The Assembly of States Parties to the ICC is scheduled to elect six new judges during its twenty-fifth session, set for December 7 to 17, 2026, in New York.
Fifteen candidates have expressed interest in the positions, including eight from Africa, with the deadline for submissions set for April 12.
Mudavadi said a committee of key stakeholders—including the Judiciary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other partners—would oversee a well-coordinated campaign to secure victory.
“We want to run a robust campaign that will ensure success for our candidate in December. We will reach out to everyone who will have a vote,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also called on Kenyans, the media, legislators, and all stakeholders to unite behind Justice Ndung’u’s bid.
“This is not the time to play political games. Let us speak well of her across the world,” Mudavadi urged.
Chief Justice Koome praised Justice Ndung’u as one of Kenya’s best judicial exports, emphasizing the importance of a united national effort.
“Kenya is offering one of its finest judges; all we request is support to ensure her candidacy is successful,” she said.
Koome also highlighted Kenya’s contribution to enriching ICC jurisprudence in recent years.
Justice Ndung’u expressed readiness to represent Kenya on the international stage, saying her victory would be a win for the country.
“I will make sure that Kenya is positively represented in the international arena. It is our responsibility to market our country globally through opportunities such as this,” she said.
The meeting was attended by several Kenyan diplomats, including Ambassador Halima Yussuf Mucheke to the Netherlands, Ambassador Galma Boru to Ethiopia, and Ambassador Yabesh Monari.
