Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to rally African support for Justice Njoki Ndung’u and Judge Phoebe Okowa, Kenya’s candidates for election to the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, respectively.
The diplomatic push will take place during the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council, bringing together foreign ministers from across the continent to discuss key issues affecting Africa.
Mudavadi is leading Kenya’s campaign for Judge Phoebe Okowa and Justice Njoki Ndung’u as the country seeks to strengthen its presence in international legal institutions.
“The Government of Kenya is confident that both candidates possess exceptional judicial credentials, extensive international legal experience, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law,” the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary said in a statement.
The two candidates are seeking election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) respectively for the 2027-2036 term.
Judge Phoebe Okowa is a Kenyan international law scholar and judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
She is a Professor of Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London, was elected to the United Nations International Law Commission in 2021, and previously served as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
Okowa was the first woman to graduate with a First-Class Law degree from the University of Nairobi and later earned advanced law degrees from the University of Oxford.
Justice Njoki Ndung’u is a judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and one of the country’s most prominent legal reform advocates.
A former nominated Member of Parliament, she spearheaded the Sexual Offences Act of 2006, championed maternity and paternity leave reforms, served on the Committee of Experts that drafted Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, and previously worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the African Union.
Kenya Seeks African Endorsement
The AU Executive Council meeting is scheduled for July 28 and 29 and follows the 52nd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee held in June.
The gathering will also help prepare the African Union for the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting between the AU, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms set for October in El Alamein, Egypt.
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Kenya views the Addis Ababa meeting as an important opportunity to build support among African nations ahead of the elections to the two courts.
The government believes that securing continental backing will improve the chances of the Kenyan candidates winning seats in institutions that play a central role in global justice.
Support for Njoki Ndung’u and Phoebe Okowa
Before joining the Executive Council session, Mudavadi is expected to participate in the Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures within the International System. Kenya serves on the committee as Eastern Africa’s representative alongside Uganda.
The committee coordinates support for African candidates seeking positions in international organizations and institutions.
According to the government, Judge Okowa and Justice Njoki Ndung’u have strong judicial credentials and extensive experience in international law.
Kenya argues that their professional records make them suitable candidates to serve in institutions that shape international legal standards and help resolve global disputes.
The government further says the election of the two candidates would strengthen Africa’s voice within the global justice system while showcasing Kenya’s contribution to the development of international law.
Their success would also raise Kenya’s profile in international diplomacy and judicial affairs.
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The campaign comes at a time when many African countries are seeking greater representation in global institutions.
Kenya hopes that support from fellow African states will translate into votes when the elections are eventually held.
Bilateral Talks on Wider Agenda
Apart from campaigning for the candidates, Mudavadi is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and senior government officials from across Africa.
The discussions will focus on strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation in several areas.
Among the issues expected to feature prominently are regional peace and security, trade, investment and economic partnerships.
Kenya will also use the meetings to seek support for African Union institutional reforms and efforts to ensure sustainable financing for the continental body.
“Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing African unity, effective multilateralism and African-led solutions to continental challenges,” the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary added.
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