In a significant diplomatic move, President William Ruto has officially launched Kenya’s candidature of Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The announcement, made on May 13, 2026, sets the stage for the December elections in New York, where member states of the ICC will vote to fill judicial vacancies.
Justice Ndung’u, a distinguished jurist and current member of Kenya’s Supreme Court, brings decades of legal expertise, including a strong background in criminal law, gender justice, and human rights.
If elected, she would become one of the few African women serving on the ICC bench, reinforcing the continent’s voice in international jurisprudence.
President Ruto, in launching her candidacy, emphasized Kenya’s commitment to global accountability and the rule of law. “Justice Njoki Ndung’u represents the best of Kenya’s legal mind and moral clarity.
Her experience at the Supreme Court, coupled with her previous work at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), makes her exceptionally qualified to serve at The Hague,” Ruto stated.
Notably, the endorsement carries symbolic weight, given Kenya’s own complex history with the ICC.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto himself faced charges at the Court earlier in their political careers, cases that were later terminated due to insufficient evidence.
By backing a Kenyan candidate for the ICC bench, Ruto signals a matured relationship with the Court, shifting from confrontation to cooperation.
Justice Ndung’u, who was first appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011, is widely respected for her landmark rulings on land rights, succession law, and gender equality.
Her campaign will now intensify, with Kenya’s diplomatic machinery mobilizing support across African Union member states and beyond.
The December elections in New York will see fierce competition from candidates worldwide, but with the full backing of the presidency and the judiciary, Ndung’u stands as a formidable contender.
Her success would not only elevate Kenya’s standing in international law but also affirm Africa’s role in shaping global justice.
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