Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto has nominated Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u as Kenya’s candidate for the upcoming election of judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
If elected in the December 2026 ICC elections, Justice Ndung’u will join the international court responsible for handling some of the world’s most serious crimes, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Global Competition for ICC Seat
Ndung’u will compete against candidates from several countries who have also been nominated for the prestigious position.
Among them are Deo John Nangela (Tanzania), Rosette Muzigo (Uganda), Everlyn Ankumah (Ghana), Guénaël Mettraux (Switzerland), Yoshimitsu Yamauchi (Japan), and Diana Carolina Olarte (Colombia).
The ICC elections will determine who will serve as judges at the court, which plays a key role in prosecuting international crimes and delivering global justice.
Njoki Ndung’u’s Career in Kenya
Justice Ndung’u has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya since 2011. She was part of the inaugural bench of the country’s apex court after being nominated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and formally assuming office on August 26, 2011.
Before joining the judiciary, she served as a Member of Parliament in the 9th Parliament representing the National Alliance Rainbow Coalition (NARC) between 2003 and 2007.
Over the past 14 years, she has participated in several landmark cases at the Supreme Court, including presidential election petitions. Notably, she was part of the seven-judge bench that annulled the 2017 presidential election, ordering a repeat vote.
Possible Impact on the Supreme Court
If Justice Ndung’u secures the ICC position, her departure would temporarily leave the Supreme Court with fewer judges, especially at a time when Kenya is approaching the 2027 General Election, when the court typically handles high-profile election petitions.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Service Commission is already in the process of filling a vacant Supreme Court seat following the death of Justice Mohamed Ibrahim in December 2025 after a long illness.
The JSC previously announced that six candidates applied for the position, including Justice Katwa Kigen, Justice Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Justice Warsame Mohammed, Justice Francis Kipruto Tuiyot, Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori, and Lilian Wanjiku Wachira.
Tags
News