President Ruto Rallies Support For Kenya’s ICC Candidates
News Updated: 13 May 2026 23:49 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto during the unveiling of ICC bound jurist Justice Njoki Ndung'u
President William Ruto on Wednesday called on Kenyans to unite behind the country’s bid to secure positions at the International Criminal Court, saying the candidature of Supreme Court Judge Justice Njoki Ndung’u and international law expert Phoebe Okowa represents Kenya’s growing role on the global stage.
Speaking at State House Nairobi during the unveiling of Justice Ndung’u’s candidature for election as an ICC judge for the 2027–2036 term, the President framed the moment as one of national significance beyond politics and personalities.
“I consider my election as president as an opportunity to do something that God wants me to do in this country.”
“And that is why Daisy says I have made all the difficult decisions. I want to tell you there was nobody else that was going to make those decisions. It was going to be William R. And that is why I got the opportunity to be president of this country and I will discharge that responsibility with courage.”
Ruto praised former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi, popularly known as Daisy, for standing firm in difficult moments, saying leadership often requires courage even in isolation.
“Even if she stood alone, she stood alone. And that is the essence of leadership.”
The Head of State used the occasion to defend the importance of the International Criminal Court, describing the Hague-based institution as central to the protection of humanity against grave crimes.
“The ICC occupies a singular place in the architecture of global justice.”
“It exists because humanity resolved that genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression must never be normalized.”
Ruto said global institutions must maintain credibility by ensuring fairness and equality in the administration of justice regardless of geopolitical interests or global power dynamics.
“No global institution can command confidence if justice appears vulnerable to geopolitics or unequal power relations.”
“International justice cannot endure if it is perceived as selective or preferential.”
The President further argued that international criminal justice goes beyond punishing offenders and plays a broader role in rebuilding societies recovering from conflict and instability.
“International criminal justice is not only about punishment.”
“It is also about helping societies confront trauma, rebuild legitimacy, restore public confidence, and strengthen institutions capable of maintaining peace.”
Ruto said Africa has remained at the center of major global debates involving accountability, democratic transition, displacement and peacebuilding, making the continent’s participation in global judicial institutions necessary.
“For far too long, Africa has stood at the center of global conversations on conflict, accountability, displacement, democratic transition, and peacebuilding.”
He added that Africa should no longer merely appear as the focus of international justice processes but should also actively shape global legal and accountability systems.
“Africa therefore cannot remain merely the subject of international justice.”
“Africa must help shape international justice.”
The President noted that many of the cases handled by the ICC have originated from African countries, involving African victims and communities seeking justice.
“The majority of cases before the ICC have involved African situations, African communities and African victims seeking justice.”
“It is therefore both appropriate and necessary that Africa has strong, principled and highly qualified representation on that bench.”
Ruto urged more Kenyans to seek opportunities in international institutions, saying leadership positions on the global stage are both a privilege and responsibility.
“Every opportunity any one of us irrespective of what space you are in is a divine opportunity and there is a reason why circumstances and God gives you that opportunity.”
“I want to encourage more Kenyans... to apply so that we can take our influence as a nation to the international arena.”
The President said he had carefully evaluated Justice Ndung’u’s qualifications and became convinced she possesses the integrity, experience and legal expertise required for the role.
“Without hesitation, I concluded that she is exceptionally well suited for this important international responsibility.”
“This is Justice Joyce's aspiration and calling. Kenya and Kenya's role is to ensure that the international community recognizes her immense value and benefits from her experience, integrity and contribution to the advancement of justice.”
Ruto said the government would fully support the campaigns of both Justice Ndung’u and Professor Phoebe Okowa, emphasizing that the effort transcends individuals and reflects Kenya’s national interests.
“And I am very proudly here to not only endorse her candidature but also rally the government of Kenya and all our institutions to support her candidature and that of Phoebe Okowa.”
He called on Kenyans to set aside political divisions and rally together whenever the country seeks recognition or representation in major international forums.
“This is not about a person. This is about a nation.”
“Our candidature and that of Phoebe is about Kenya. It’s not about her. It’s not about the next person, William R. or the other people. It’s about all of us.”
The President stressed that there are moments when national unity must take precedence over partisan interests, especially in matters involving Kenya’s image internationally.
“And therefore, there are moments when we stand together as a nation irrespective of all other considerations.”
“This is one such moment that we must stand together.”
“There are moments when it is about Kenya and when it’s about Kenya, it is about us. It’s about each and every one of us.”
Ruto also highlighted Kenya’s recent role in hosting major international events, saying such occasions demonstrate the country’s growing diplomatic influence and leadership position in Africa.
“I was very, very proud about Kenya being able to host serious international engagements.”
The President pointed to the Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi, the presence of the United Nations headquarters in the Global South, and the recently concluded Africa Forward Summit as examples of Kenya’s expanding global footprint.
“We hosted the Africa Climate Summit which was a very historic moment on climate diplomacy.”
“We are hosting the only UN headquarters in the Global South right here in Nairobi.”
“And yesterday we concluded the hosting of the Africa Forward summit that brought together 35 heads of state and government, our friends from France and Europe and others.”
He warned against politicizing national moments that require unity and collective national pride.
“Such moments are moments when we step forward as a nation and we put aside any partisan considerations and stand together as a country and as a people and a nation.”
“We must never adulterate such occasions.”
“We need to stand together.”
In his concluding remarks, President Ruto formally appealed to member states of the Rome Statute to support Kenya’s candidate during the upcoming ICC elections.
“And it is therefore my singular honor on behalf of the Republic of Kenya to respectfully invite state parties to the Rome Statute to support the candidature of Honorable Lady Justice Joyce for election as judge of the International Criminal Court 2027–2036.”
“I thank you. Let us all rise as we conclude.”
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FELIX MAKONA
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