PCS Musalia Mudavadi flanked by Amb Tom Amollo, Supreme Court judge Njoki Ndung'u and ICJ judge Phoebe Okowa during a meeting with Cameroon delegation in Addis Ababa on July 27, 2026 /HANDOUTKenya has intensified its diplomatic campaign at the African Union to rally support for its candidates seeking election to two of the world's top judicial agencies.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has sustained the lobbying drive on the sidelines of the 49th Ordinary Session of the AUexecutive council in Addis Ababa.
Mudavadi sought backing from African states for Supreme Court judge Justice Njoki Ndung'u and international law scholar judge Phoebe Okowa.
Justice Ndung'u is Kenya's candidate for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court, while judge Okowa is seeking election to the International Court of Justice for the 2027–36 term.
The lobbying featured prominently in Mudavadi's bilateral meetings with several African foreign ministers in Addis Ababa, with appeals for support for Kenya's nominees.
During talks with Cameroon's Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Mudavadi sought Yaoundé's support for Justice Ndung'u and judge Okowa.
He said their election would strengthen Africa's representation in global judicial institutions while showcasing Kenya's longstanding commitment to the rule of law and multilateral cooperation.
Mudavadi made similar appeals during separate meetings with Rwanda Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe andAl-Taher Salem Al-Baour, Libya's acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,
“Their [Njoki and Okowa’s] election would strengthen Kenya's contribution to international justice while advancing Africa's voice in global institutions,” he said on Monday.
His discussions with Libya focused on expanding cooperation in agriculture, trade and food security, but also included an appeal for support for Kenya's candidates, arguing that their election would reinforce Africa's representation in international decision-making.
On her part, Justice Njoki told the session of the AU executive council that her background as a prosecutor, parliamentarian — including the pan-African Parliament — international experience in UNHCR and at the Supreme Court make her qualified for the seat.
The lobbying campaign comes as Kenya pushes for greater African representation in global institutions.
Addressing the AU Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures within the International System, Mudavadi said Africa deserved a stronger role in shaping international decisions.
"Africa's voice in global institutions must reflect its place in the world. Home to nearly one-fifth of humanity, our continent deserves fair representation in the international system and a stronger role in shaping global decisions," he said.
Mudavadi urged African countries to continue fronting highly qualified candidates for international positions, saying recent electoral successes had demonstrated the benefits of continental unity and coordinated diplomacy.
"The growing success of African candidates in international elections demonstrates the power of unity, early coordination and collective action."
He said AU’s mechanism for coordinating candidatures had strengthened the continent's ability to secure influential positions within international institutions.
On July 17, Rose Wacuka, chief of staff in the Office of the Chief Justice, led a delegation to Brussels to support Kenya's campaign for the election of Justice Njoki.
Brussels is one of the world's foremost diplomatic hubs, hosting more than 130 international organisations and 183 bilateral embassies, 114 of which represent state parties to the Rome Statute.
"As the headquarters of the OACPS (Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States) the city further provides a unique platform for Kenya to engage partners, build consensus, and mobilise support for our candidate," Kenya Ambassador to Belgium Joash Maangi said.
Kenya's latest push builds on a diplomatic campaign push by President William Ruto during the inaugural Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
During separate meetings with Presidents Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia), Madagascar (Michael Randrianirina) and Brice Nguema(Gabon), Ruto sought support for Justice Ndung'u's candidature to the ICC.
Although the meetings primarily focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, transport, agriculture, education and regional peace initiatives, the President used each engagement to rally support for Kenya's judicial bid.
The campaign has also been sustained by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei.
While briefing members of the diplomatic corps in Nairobi last month, Sing'oei highlighted Kenya's expanding diplomatic engagements before appealing for support for Kenya's candidates to both the ICC and the ICJ.
He said Kenya remained committed to strengthening partnerships that promote peace, security, sustainable development and effective multilateral cooperation.
Alongside requests for electoral support, Kenyan leaders and diplomats have consistently used bilateral meetings to seek support for Justice Ndung'u and judge Okowa as part of Africa's broader quest for stronger representation in global institutions.
