Kenya launches Njoki Ndung’u’s ICC Judge bid

Kenya has officially launched the candidature of Njoki Ndung'u for the position of judge at the International Criminal Court.

Speaking at the launch ceremony at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto pledged full government support in a coordinated diplomatic campaign to secure her election.

The ceremony brought together senior government officials, members of the Judiciary, diplomats and legal professionals in a show of national backing for Ndung’u’s bid to join the Hague-based court.

Ruto praised Ndung’u’s professional track record, leadership and vision for international justice, describing her candidature as a major opportunity for Africa to shape global legal discourse.

“I have listened very carefully to the track record of Njoki Ndung’u and also listened to her vision at the ICC. They are persuasive, coherent and meaningful,” Ruto said.

“At a personal level and on behalf of the government, you have our endorsement, support, and we are going to campaign for you.”

The President said Ndung’u’s bid was not merely about securing a seat at the ICC but also about amplifying Africa’s voice and legal experience within international justice institutions.

“This is not just an election, it is also an opportunity for Ndung’u to speak and give an African perspective and bring African experience to international justice,” he said.

Ruto described the Supreme Court judge as courageous and principled, saying she had consistently demonstrated leadership even in difficult situations.

“Njoki Ndung’u has been very courageous. She has not shied away when it was the right thing for her to do even if it was to stand alone, and that is the essence of leadership,” he stated.

“We are greatly inspired by the candidature of Ndung’u.”

The President also encouraged more Kenyans to seek positions in international organisations, assuring them of government support.

“We should take our influence to the international arena,” he said.

“We need to put aside partisan consideration and stand together as a nation. We must never spoil such opportunities.”

Chief Justice Martha Koome said Ndung’u’s candidature demonstrated the growing global stature of Kenya’s Judiciary and its contribution to constitutionalism and the rule of law.

“The quest for the seat affirms that the Judiciary is not only a domestic institution of justice but a strategic asset in Kenya’s international profile,” Koome said.

“Around the world, nations are increasingly judged by the strength of their institutions, the independence of their courts, and the credibility of their commitment to the rule of law.”

Koome said Africa needed stronger representation in international judicial institutions, particularly at a time when the continent continues to shape conversations around democratic governance, accountability and human rights.

She said the ICC seat would offer Africa “an important opportunity to contribute judicial wisdom, judicial courage, experience and legal perspectives that are shaped by constitutional transformation, victim-centred justice, post-conflict recovery, restorative justice, democratic renewal and relentless pursuit of accountability.”

In her address, Ndung’u said she was honoured to seek the position as a Kenyan dedicated to justice and the rule of law.

“I am proud to seek this position as a Kenyan who has dedicated her professional life to the service of justice and the rule of law,” she said.

Ndung’u explained that her candidature is anchored on five key values — courage, pragmatism, efficiency, victim-centred justice and Africa-focused jurisprudence.

“A judge from Africa must bring an African perspective. Africa has often carried the weight of ICC scrutiny, sometimes accompanied by perceptions of bias,” she said.

She stressed the need for the ICC to rebuild and strengthen its relationship with African states.

“It is important that Africa’s legal experiences be embedded in the jurisprudence of the ICC, and this I will do,” she pledged.

Ndung’u has served on Kenya’s Supreme Court since its establishment and was among the experts who drafted the 2010 Constitution through the Committee of Experts process.

She is widely recognised for her work in human rights law, legislative reform and advocacy for vulnerable groups, areas that closely align with the ICC’s mandate of prosecuting war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.