At the highest levels of Kenya’s government, a quiet but powerful campaign is gaining momentum, one that could place one of Africa’s most distinguished legal minds at the forefront of international criminal justice.
On the sidelines of Monday’s swearing in ceremony for newly appointed judges to the High Court and Environment and Land Court at State House, President William Ruto convened a small but significant meeting. In attendance were Chief Justice Martha Koome, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, and the focus of the campaign, Justice Njoki Ndung’u, Kenya’s candidate for a seat on the International Criminal Court ICC.
The meeting was brief but delivered a clear message. Kenya is fully behind Justice Ndung’u’s candidacy.
The presence of President Ruto, Chief Justice Koome, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi underscored the significance of the moment. This is not a partisan effort. It is a national campaign.
Kenya has produced legal figures who have shaped the continent. In Justice Ndung’u, the country presents a candidate whose career reflects a steadfast commitment to justice for women, marginalized communities, and the rule of law.
The ICC would not simply gain a judge. It would gain a strong advocate for justice.
Justice Ndung’u’s qualifications are rooted in a career dedicated to advancing fairness and equality. When Kenya’s Supreme Court was established in 2011, she was among its founding judges. Over more than a decade, she has contributed to landmark decisions in constitutional and criminal law, helping define Kenya’s legal framework in the post 2010 constitutional era.
Her impact extends beyond Kenya’s borders. Before joining the Supreme Court, she was instrumental in shaping the Sexual Offences Act, transforming how Kenya addresses gender based violence and giving a voice to survivors.
Her influence is also felt across the continent. She played a key role in developing the Maputo Protocol, an African Union treaty on women’s rights that has shaped gender jurisprudence across 54 countries and remains one of Africa’s most significant legal achievements.
Kenya’s campaign for the ICC seat is ongoing. If successful, Justice Ndung’u would become one of 18 judges serving on the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
