President William Ruto has explained why he believes Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u is the perfect candidate to represent Kenya as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Ruto made his remarks on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at State House, Nairobi, as he unveiled Justice Njoki’s election bid as Judge of the International Criminal Court, 2027-2036.

On his part, Ruto explained that Justice Njoki has in past demonstrated legal erudition, intellectual autonomy, courage in decision-making and devotion to justice, hence stands out as a perfect candidate.

Ruto further explained that Njoki has demonstrated accountability in her national and international tasks.

“The Lady Justice has demonstrated legal erudition, intellectual autonomy, courage in decision-making and devotion to justice and accountability in her national and international tasks,” Ruto said.

He went to shower her with praises, noting that she presents an exceptional blend of judicial authority, integrity, legislative impact and global experience, which he said is in tandem with the demands of the ICC in its global fight to end impunity.

ICC election

His campaign mounts as the election is set for December 2026 during the 25th Assembly of State Parties in New York.

Justice Ndung’u joins six other candidates, including Evelyn Ankumah (Ghana), Guénaël Mettraux (Switzerland), Rosette Muzigo-Morrison (Uganda), Deo John Nangela (Tanzania), Diana Carolina Olarte Bacares (Colombia) and Yoshimitsu Yamauchi (Japan). 

The Lady Justice is among the founding judges of Kenya’s Supreme Court and also the principal architect of Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act, a law that has significantly transformed protection for survivors of gender-based violence. 

Meanwhile, based on her criminal law portfolio, Justice Ndung’u is listed under Category A, which comprises judges who are competent in criminal law and criminal procedures.

Tracking down her career, Justice Ndung’u has authored and participated in landmark judicial orders that have significantly shaped the country’s policies, making her not just qualified but exceptional.

If elected, Justice Ndung’u will be the second Kenyan to join the ICC bench, after Judge Joyce Aluoch, who served in The Hague from 2009 to 2018.