President William Ruto has nominated Sussana Njoki Ndung’u, a judge of the Supreme Court, as Kenya’s candidate for election to the bench of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The nomination places Justice Ndung’u among candidates from the African region who will compete for seats at the global court during upcoming judicial elections.
The elections for new ICC judges are expected to take place during the 25th session of the Assembly of States Parties, scheduled for December 7–17, 2026 in New York, where member states will elect six judges to serve on the court.
Justice Ndung’u’s nomination followed recommendations by the Judicial Service Commission of Kenya, which forwards suitable candidates to the president for international judicial positions.
If elected, she will serve as a judge at the ICC in The Hague, the Netherlands, which prosecutes individuals accused of serious international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Justice Ndung’u has served on Kenya’s Supreme Court since 2011, when she joined the inaugural bench of the country’s highest court. Over the years, she has participated in several landmark constitutional cases, including presidential election petitions that shaped Kenya’s electoral jurisprudence.
Before joining the judiciary, she had an extensive career in law, governance and human rights advocacy. She previously served as a nominated Member of Parliament between 2003 and 2007, where she spearheaded the landmark Sexual Offences Act of 2006 aimed at strengthening protections against gender-based violence.
Her professional experience also includes roles at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the African Union, focusing on human rights and conflict management.
Justice Ndung’u is expected to compete with candidates from several countries as ICC member states fill six judicial vacancies at the international court.
The nomination could also trigger changes within Kenya’s apex court should she eventually secure the international position, potentially creating a vacancy on the Supreme Court bench ahead of the 2027 General Election.
If successful, Justice Ndung’u would join the panel of international jurists responsible for adjudicating some of the world’s most serious criminal cases under the Rome Statute framework.
