Kenya has launched a diplomatic push to secure a top international legal position for Justice Njoki Ndung’u, aiming to strengthen the country’s presence and influence within global judicial institutions ahead of a crucial vote.

In a statement shared on X Saturday, April 4, 2026, the State Department of Diaspora Affairs outlined how the government is mobilising support across different fronts to back her candidacy.

The department pointed out that Kenya has begun a coordinated international campaign to support Justice Ndung’u’s bid, presenting it as both a show of confidence in her experience and a strategic move to expand the country’s global legal influence.

“Kenya has launched a coordinated diplomatic campaign to secure the election of Njoki Ndung’u as a judge of the International Criminal Court, signalling both confidence in her credentials and a broader ambition to deepen the country’s influence within global legal institutions,” the statement reads.

It further explained that the government, with backing from President William Ruto and the Cabinet, is treating the bid as a national effort, with Musalia Mudavadi leading consultations to ensure a well-planned and deliberate campaign.

“Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that the government has fully endorsed Justice Ndung’u’s candidacy, describing it as a nationally backed effort with the support of William Ruto and the Cabinet. Speaking after consultations with Martha Koome and Justice Ndung’u, Mudavadi emphasised that Kenya is not leaving the outcome to chance, but instead pursuing a deliberate, structured campaign,” the statement reads.

The department also pointed out a joint approach involving key government institutions and diplomatic missions, aimed at converting Kenya’s judicial standing into votes ahead of the December 2026 election in New York.

“At the heart of this effort is a multi-agency strategy bringing together the Judiciary, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and Kenya’s diplomatic missions abroad. The goal is to translate Kenya’s judicial reputation into tangible electoral support ahead of the ICC vote scheduled for December 2026 in New York, where six judges will be elected by the Assembly of States Parties,” the state department of foreign affairs stated.