By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Loading article content...
Loading article content...
Kenya, 4 November 2026 - Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi on Wednesday congratulated Judge Phoebe Okowa on her election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term, saying the win shows Kenya's growing influence on the global stage.
In a statement, PCS Mudavadi described the election as a proud moment for the nation and a strong endorsement of Kenya's commitment to international justice, the rule of law and a fairer global order.
"Kenya has once again demonstrated its growing influence and standing on the global stage," he said.
He said the outcome reflected the international community's confidence in Kenya's legal expertise, diplomatic leadership and ability to contribute meaningfully to the peaceful resolution of disputes among nations.
Okowa was elected on Tuesday, November 3, after winning the required majorities in separate ballots by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council in New York. She received 183 votes in the General Assembly and 13 in the 15-member Security Council.
The contest went through several rounds of voting. Sierra Leone, South Korea and Ecuador withdrew their candidates after the third round, leaving Okowa to face Peru's Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza in the final ballot.
Mudavadi thanked UN member states for their overwhelming support and acknowledged the three countries for what he called their constructive decision to step aside. He also congratulated the newly elected judges from the United Kingdom, France, Singapore and Jordan.
The Cabinet Secretary further commended Kenya's diplomatic missions and campaign teams, whose dedication and coordinated efforts, he said, made the milestone possible.
More from Kenya
"Judge Okowa's election is more than a personal achievement," Mudavadi said, adding that it is a victory for Kenya, a proud moment for Africa and a reaffirmation that Kenya's voice and expertise continue to command respect on the world stage.
He wished the judge well as she takes up her new role and serves the international community "with distinction".
Okowa first joined the court in November 2025, when she was elected to complete the term of Somalia's Abdulqawi Yusuf, who resigned on 30 September 2025. That term ends on 5 February 2027, and her new nine-year mandate begins the following day.
A Professor of Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London, she also sits on the UN International Law Commission.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei led Kenya's campaign for her election.