Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia
Mudavadi has celebrated the historic milestone following the election of Professor
Phoebe Okowa as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
as “a proud moment for Kenya and Africa”.
In a statement shortly after the
win, Musalia noted that Okowa’s victory was the first for the country, highlighting
that it reinforces the need for diversity, equality and representation
in international institutions.
The Foreign CS said the win
elevates Kenya’s profile on the global stage and inspires African participation
in international legal institutions.
The election announcement was made
on Wednesday following a by-election at the United Nations
Headquarters in New York.
Professor Okowa secured victory by a
clear majority, reflecting broad international confidence in her credentials,
experience, integrity and contributions to international law.
The seasoned international law scholar secured the required majority in the
fourth round of voting in the UNGA and the third round in the Security Council,
defeating three other candidates vying to fill the vacant seat left by Somali
Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf.
Judge Yusuf’s resignation, effective September 30, 2025, created the opening on the 15-member bench of the ICJ, which sits in The Hague, Netherlands.
Okowa
received 106 votes out of 185 in the UN General Assembly, surpassing the
97-vote majority threshold, and garnered eight out of 15 votes in the Security
Council, the minimum required to clinch the position.
She was nominated jointly by Colombia, Kenya, Namibia, the Netherlands, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, and Vanuatu.
Her term will run until February 5,
2027, the remainder of Judge Yusuf’s tenure.
Her election marks the first time
Kenya has successfully nominated a candidate to the ICJ, underlining the
nation’s growing influence in global legal circles.
A distinguished scholar and
practitioner, Professor Okowa brings over three decades of experience as
an academic, advocate and advisor to governments and international organisations.
She has appeared before both the ICJ
and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and was the first
African woman elected to the International Law Commission and the Institut
de Droit International.
Her election is expected to
strengthen the rule of law globally, while also affirming Kenya’s
position as a champion of international justice.
The government expressed profound gratitude to all UN member states, the
General Assembly and regional partners whose support was instrumental in her
election.
The government also acknowledged the solidarity of African and other
regional groups, noting that this collective support played a critical role in
securing the outcome.
It pledged its full support as
Professor Okowa begins her tenure, recognising her role in advancing justice,
equality and legal expertise worldwide.
“The government of Kenya extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Okowa and pledges its full support as she embarks on this honourable service to humanity,” Mudavadi said.
Okowa will be sworn in at The Hague in early 2026.
