Leading the drive is a team that brings together officials from the Judiciary, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Kenya’s diplomatic missions abroad in what has been described as a “whole-of-government” approach to position the country strongly ahead of the December 2026 elections at the ICC Assembly of States Parties.
The latest signal of determination emerged during a session chaired by Justice Ndung’u on Wednesday.
Justice Njoki Ndung’u.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Among those at the meeting were Judiciary Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei and representatives from the Judiciary and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Officials familiar with the deliberations described the meeting as decisive, with the committee reviewing diplomatic outreach plans, voting strategies, coalition-building and advocacy messaging as the country enters the critical six-month countdown to the vote.
Discussions centred on identifying priority countries, strengthening ties with influential voting blocs among ICC members and harmonising campaign messaging across Kenya’s embassies and missions abroad.
After the meeting, the Judiciary framed Kenya’s candidature as part of a broader commitment to global justice and African representation in international institutions.
“Kenya’s candidacy is a reaffirmation of the country’s enduring commitment to international justice, the rule of law and Africa’s rightful voice in shaping the institutions that define the global legal order,” the Judiciary said in the statement.
Dr Sing’oei said Kenya’s bid is more than individual ambition, describing it as part of a commitment to global justice systems.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei.
Photo credit: File | Nation media Group
“As we enter the critical countdown to the elections, our whole-of-government team ... is unified and strategically coordinated. Justice Ndung’u’s stellar legal credentials and profound domestic experience make her an exceptional candidate to advance the rule of law and international justice,” the PS said.
The ICC is the world’s permanent global court mandated to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
Its judges are elected for a non-renewable nine-year term by member states of the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court.
Kenya seeks to secure one of the judicial seats for the 2027–36 term, a race that usually involves months of diplomatic lobbying, regional negotiations and coalition-building.
Attention is placed on outreach in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia, regions that often shape ICC electoral dynamics through negotiated voting.
The campaign team has adopted a roadmap that includes targeted lobbying missions, participation in major legal conferences and coordinated briefings for ambassadors and permanent representatives.
The plan also seeks to ensure consistency in Kenya’s messaging across diplomatic channels to avoid duplication and conflicting narratives during the campaigns.
Justice Ndung’u is expected to play a central role as the candidate and the face of Kenya’s legal and constitutional reforms.
President William Ruto, Chief Justice of Kenya Lady Justice Martha Karambu Koome (extreme left) and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi applaud Honourable Justice Njoki Ndung’u (right) after he unveiled her election bid as Judge of the International Criminal Court, 2027-2036 at State House at State House, Nairobi.
Photo credit: PCS
Sources told the Daily Nation that discussions during Wednesday’s session centred on aligning technical judicial credentials with political and diplomatic advocacy. The Judiciary is expected to provide detailed documents highlighting Justice Ndung’u’s philosophy, legal scholarship, constitutional jurisprudence and contributions to reforms.
Justice Ndung’u is known in Kenya for her role in constitutional and legislative reforms, women’s rights advocacy and jurisprudence relating to governance and accountability.
Before joining the Supreme Court, she served as a nominated Member of the National Assembly and played a role in pushing for legal reforms, including sexual offences legislation.
President William Ruto, Chief Justice of Kenya Lady Justice Martha Karambu Koome and Honourable Justice Njoki Ndung’u (right) at State House, Nairobi.
Photo credit: PCS
During the launch of Kenya’s bid at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said Justice Ndung’u possesses the experience and integrity necessary for the role.
On May 18, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met Justice Ndung’u and praised her legal career and Kenya’s judicial system.
