By Andrew Mbuva
President William Ruto has officially launched Kenya’s candidature of Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court, describing her as one of Kenya’s most accomplished jurists and a strong voice for justice, constitutionalism, and human rights.
Speaking during the launch at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said Kenya’s endorsement of Justice Njoki Ndung’u reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening international justice and supporting a rules-based global order founded on fairness, impartiality, and judicial independence.
The President emphasized that the ICC remains a critical institution in ensuring accountability for grave international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression. However, he noted that the credibility of the court depends on fairness, consistency, equal application of the law, and protection from geopolitical influence.
Ruto warned that international justice risks losing legitimacy if it is perceived as selective or biased toward powerful nations. He stated that no institution can command global confidence if justice appears vulnerable to unequal power relations.
The Head of State reaffirmed Kenya’s support for an international criminal justice system grounded in judicial independence, procedural fairness, integrity, and fidelity to the Rome Statute. He added that international justice and domestic judicial systems must work together to strengthen accountability and peacebuilding efforts globally.
In his address, President Ruto also called for stronger African representation within global governance institutions, including the ICC, arguing that Africa should not merely remain the subject of international justice discussions but should actively shape them.
He observed that the majority of ICC cases have involved African countries and communities, making it necessary for the continent to have qualified and principled representation on the court’s bench. According to the President, African participation is essential in enhancing the legitimacy and universality of international justice rather than shielding powerful individuals from accountability.
President Ruto praised Justice Njoki Ndung’u for her distinguished legal career spanning more than three decades in prosecutorial service, constitutional reform, legislation, and the judiciary.
He highlighted her contribution to Kenya’s constitutional transformation, particularly her role in the Committee of Experts that drafted the 2010 Constitution following the 2008 post-election crisis. The President said her experience in rebuilding constitutional order and promoting democratic renewal would be invaluable at the ICC.
The President further lauded Justice Ndung’u’s efforts in championing gender justice, including spearheading the enactment of Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act of 2006 and contributing to the development of the Maputo Protocol on women’s rights in Africa.
Ruto said her work has demonstrated a deep understanding of survivor-centered justice and the protection of vulnerable populations in conflict and post-conflict situations.
The President revealed that Justice Njoki Ndung’u emerged through a competitive nomination process involving other distinguished Kenyan jurists. He noted that Kenya’s decision to sponsor her candidature was informed by her integrity, judicial experience, and lifelong dedication to constitutionalism and human rights.
He concluded by formally inviting State Parties to the Rome Statute to support Justice Njoki Ndung’u’s candidature for election as judge of the ICC for the 2027–2036 term.
