Mudavadi intensifies campaign for Phoebe Okowa’s International Court of Justice bid
By Faith Lagat, September 21, 2025Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has intensified diplomatic outreach to rally African support for Professor Phoebe Okowa’s candidature for the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Mudavadi held a formal meeting with Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba in Nairobi to strengthen bilateral relations and secure backing for Kenya’s nominee in the 2026 ICJ elections.
“I also underscored Kenya’s request for Sierra Leone’s support in the election of Prof. Phoebe Okowa as Judge of the ICJ for the 2025–2027 term. Prof. Okowa has been a key voice in shaping international law and continues to champion justice and accountability on the global stage,” read Musalia’s X post.
“Our discussions focused on strengthening multilateral cooperation, enhancing trade relations, and supporting Kenya’s candidature for the International Court of Justice (ICJ).”
Kenya’s Candidate for the ICJ
Kenya formally nominated Prof. Okowa for the ICJ position through a letter from Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, dated March 1, 2025, addressed to the Permanent Mission of Djibouti, the coordinator of Eastern African candidatures. The letter sought support from African Group member states for Okowa’s election at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council in 2026.
Okowa has been a member of the International Law Commission since 2021 and of the Permanent Court of Arbitration since 2017. She has contributed to landmark cases, including Kenya’s maritime dispute with Somalia. She is also a professor of international law at Queen Mary University of London and holds a Bachelor of Law with First Class Honours from the University of Nairobi.
Bilateral ties
During the meeting, Mudavadi underscored Kenya’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Sierra Leone, highlighting trade and multilateral cooperation as key areas of focus.
“I reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to broaden and deepen our bilateral ties, anchored in mutual respect and shared aspirations. I assured him that Kenya is ready to implement the signed but pending bilateral instruments, turning agreements into tangible benefits for our peoples.”
He added that Kenya is ready to implement the signed but pending bilateral instruments to translate agreements into tangible benefits for both countries.
Global security
Mudavadi also used the meeting to highlight Kenya’s dedication to global security through innovation and partnerships. He announced Kenya’s nomination of Mohammed Ibrahim Amin for election to INTERPOL’s Executive Committee as Delegate for Africa for the 2025–2028 term, a move aimed at strengthening Africa’s representation in tackling emerging security threats.