NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has intensified diplomatic efforts to rally support for Njoki Ndung’u as Kenya pushes to secure her election to the bench of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The behind-the-scenes campaign forms part of Nairobi’s broader strategy to strengthen Kenya’s influence within global legal and governance institutions while increasing African representation at the Hague-based tribunal.
As co-host of the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, President Ruto has reportedly used bilateral meetings with visiting heads of state from countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute — the treaty that established the ICC — to lobby support for Justice Ndung’u’s candidacy.
On Sunday, Ruto formally appealed for support from several African leaders, including Joseph Boakai.
“I requested President Boakai to consider the candidacy of Supreme Court Justice Njoki Ndung’u for the International Criminal Court,” President Ruto said.
The Kenyan leader also held talks with Alassane Ouattara, with diplomatic sources indicating that Justice Ndung’u’s candidacy featured prominently in the discussions.
The ICC is expected to elect six new judges during the 25th Assembly of States Parties scheduled for December 2026 in New York.
Kenya’s campaign for a seat on the court comes amid renewed debate over Africa’s relationship with the ICC, a tribunal that has faced criticism from some African leaders who argue that the institution has disproportionately focused on African cases since its establishment in 2002.
Analysts say Kenya’s backing of Justice Ndung’u reflects efforts by African states to increase their influence within international justice systems and reshape perceptions surrounding the court’s engagement with the continent.
Justice Ndung’u has served on Kenya’s Supreme Court since the judiciary was restructured under the 2010 Constitution.
She was also among the legal experts who drafted Kenya’s current Constitution through the Committee of Experts process, playing a central role in shaping the country’s democratic governance framework and constitutional reforms after the 2007–2008 post-election crisis.
Her judicial and legislative career has largely focused on constitutional law, gender justice and protection of vulnerable groups.
Before joining the judiciary, Ndung’u served as a nominated Member of Parliament, where she spearheaded landmark legislative reforms, including the Sexual Offences Act, legislation widely credited with strengthening protections against gender-based violence and sexual crimes in Kenya.
Her experience is viewed as particularly relevant to the ICC’s work, especially in cases involving crimes against humanity, sexual violence in conflict and war crimes.
The diplomatic campaign was formally launched on May 4 following the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed High Court and Environment and Land Court judges at State House Nairobi.
During the event, President Ruto held consultations with Martha Koome, Musalia Mudavadi, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and Justice Ndung’u regarding Kenya’s strategy for the ICC elections.
Kenya’s renewed engagement with the ICC also carries symbolic political significance given the country’s own history with the court.
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The ICC previously handled cases linked to Kenya’s 2007–2008 post-election violence, including proceedings involving President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta before the cases were eventually terminated.
Observers say Nairobi’s active campaign for an ICC judicial seat signals an attempt to reposition Kenya from being associated with ICC prosecutions to becoming a contributor to international justice and legal reform.
The ICC bench elections are expected to attract candidates from multiple regions as member states seek balanced geographical representation, gender parity and expertise in international criminal law.
If elected, Justice Ndung’u would further elevate Kenya’s profile within global judicial institutions while strengthening East Africa’s representation at one of the world’s most prominent international courts.
