President Ruto Names Ndung’u As ICC Candidate
News Updated: 12 March 2026 21:54 EAT
Supreme court judge Justice Njoki Ndung’u nominated as Kenya’s candidate for the December election of judges at ICC.
President William Ruto has nominated Supreme Court Judge Njoki Susanna Ndung’u as Kenya’s official candidate for the upcoming International Criminal Court (ICC) judicial elections scheduled for December 7–17, 2026 in The Hague, Netherlands.
Judge Ndung’u, who has served on Kenya’s Supreme Court since 2011, was selected after a rigorous vetting process to represent the country in the global vote.
She has participated in key constitutional rulings, including high-profile presidential election petitions that shaped Kenya’s political landscape. Her experience also includes service in the National Assembly during the 9th Parliament.
The ICC election will be competitive, with Ndung’u set to compete against six other candidates from countries including Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Switzerland, Japan, and Colombia.
If elected, she will adjudicate cases involving the gravest international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The position demands expertise in criminal law and international legal standards.
Analysts say Kenya’s nomination reflects a strategic push to enhance the country’s presence in international judicial institutions. Her potential departure from the Supreme Court will leave a key vacancy at a crucial time.
Ndung’u’s nomination follows constitutional procedures and will be presented to member states eligible to vote in the ICC judicial elections under the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute.
Kenya’s judiciary is in transition, with other Supreme Court vacancies being processed after recent retirements and deaths, highlighting the importance of balancing international representation with domestic capacity.
Government officials describe the nomination as recognition of Kenya’s legal expertise and commitment to international justice, while stakeholders stress the need to maintain a strong domestic judiciary. The ICC elections will run from December 7 to 17, 2026, with results expected shortly after.
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