Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, on Monday, 08 June 2026, received in audience, Isaac Keen Parashina, High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to Nigeria, and Hon. Lady Justice Njoki Ndungu, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and Kenya’s candidate for election as Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), during a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja. This was contained in a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
The visit was undertaken to formally present Hon. Lady Justice Njoki Ndungu’s candidature and seek Nigeria’s support in the forthcoming ICC judicial elections scheduled for December 2026, in which Africa is expected to secure two seats.
During the meeting, Hon. Lady Justice Ndung’u highlighted her distinguished legal and judicial career spanning more than 36 years. She outlined her extensive experience in criminal law, having served as a prosecutor, legal advisor at the African Union, Member of Parliament, and Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya for the past fifteen years. The candidate also emphasised her contributions to gender justice and victims’ rights, including her role in enacting Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act and in introducing legislation for maternity and paternity leave. She further shared Kenya’s experience in judicial innovation through the successful adoption of a fully virtual Supreme Court system, which has significantly enhanced efficiency in the administration of justice.
Speaking on the role of the ICC, Hon. Lady Justice Ndung’u stressed the importance of electing competent, courageous, and experienced African judges capable of strengthening the Court’s relationship with African States and enhancing confidence in international justice mechanisms. She noted that her legal, legislative, and diplomatic background would enable her to contribute meaningfully to the work of the Court.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary welcomed the delegation and commended Hon. Lady Justice Ndung’u’s impressive professional record and qualifications. He acknowledged the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Kenya and noted the tradition of mutual support between both countries in international and multilateral engagements. The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting capable African representation in international institutions and assured the delegation that Kenya’s request for support would receive due consideration through the appropriate diplomatic channels.
END
