NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has officially unveiled the candidature of Justice Njoki Ndung’u for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court for the 2027–2036 term.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto described Justice Ndung’u as one of Kenya’s “finest and distinguished jurists,” citing her vast experience in criminal justice, human rights and international law.
Ruto said Justice Ndung’u’s service in Kenya’s Parliament, the Pan-African Parliament and the United Nations places her at the intersection of global justice and accountability.
“The Lady Justice has demonstrated legal erudition, intellectual autonomy, courage in decision-making and devotion to justice and accountability in her national and international tasks,” Ruto said during the launch of her bid.
He added that her judicial authority, integrity and legislative impact align with the ICC’s global mandate of fighting impunity.
The President has in recent days intensified diplomatic efforts to rally support for Justice Ndung’u’s candidature ahead of elections scheduled for December 2026 during the Assembly of States Parties in New York.
On the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Ruto introduced Justice Ndung’u to several visiting heads of state, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Liberia’s Joseph Boakai, Côte d’Ivoire’s Alassane Ouattara and Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio.
Justice Ndung’u, a founding judge of Kenya’s Supreme Court, is widely recognised as the architect of Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act, legislation credited with strengthening protections for survivors of gender-based violence.
She also served on the Committee of Experts that drafted the Constitution of Kenya 2010, further cementing her legacy in Kenya’s legal and constitutional reforms.
If elected, Justice Ndung’u would become the second Kenyan to serve at the ICC after Joyce Aluoch, who served at The Hague between 2009 and 2018.
