ADDIS ABABA — Kenya has officially launched a high-stakes diplomatic campaign to secure a full nine-year term for Judge Phoebe Okowa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), positioning her as the continent’s legal torchbearer.

In a decisive move to cement Africa’s influence in global jurisprudence, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has rallied the continent behind Judge Phoebe Okowa. Speaking on the sidelines of the African Union Executive Council Meeting in Addis Ababa, Mudavadi formally unveiled Kenya’s strategy to retain the distinguished jurist on the bench of the world’s highest court for the 2027-2036 term.

Mudavadi’s charm offensive in Ethiopia is not merely about retaining a seat; it is a calculated strategic play to ensure that African perspectives remain integral to the evolution of international law. By championing Okowa, who made history in late 2025 as the first Kenyan woman elected to the ICJ, Nairobi is signaling its intent to remain a heavyweight in the corridors of global justice. "This is a matter of national pride and continental necessity," Mudavadi told delegates, underscoring that Okowa’s presence at The Hague represents the collective aspirations of the African Union.

A Continental Mandate

The campaign for re-election is built on a foundation of undeniable competence and historic achievement. Judge Okowa, currently serving the remainder of a term that concludes in early 2027, has already made her mark as a formidable legal mind. Her initial election was a watershed moment, breaking a glass ceiling that had remained intact for decades. Now, the goal is to secure a full decade of influence.

Mudavadi’s pitch to his peers was rooted in the need for continuity and intellectual rigor. He highlighted Okowa’s extensive experience in public international law, noting that her rulings and opinions are already shaping the discourse on critical global issues, from territorial disputes to human rights obligations. The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasized that Africa cannot afford to lose such a critical voice during a period of geopolitical turbulence.

• The Candidate: Professor Phoebe Okowa is an acclaimed scholar and practitioner, whose rise to the ICJ bench was celebrated as a victory for African legal scholarship.
• The Strategy: Kenya is leveraging its diplomatic networks within the AU to present Okowa as the "consensus candidate" for the continent, minimizing internal competition.
• The Stakes: The 2027-2036 term will oversee landmark cases involving climate justice and sovereign sovereignty, areas where African interests are paramount.

Diplomacy in Overdrive

The atmosphere in Addis Ababa suggests that Kenya’s lobbying machinery is firing on all cylinders. The delegation has been holding marathon bilateral meetings, seeking assurances from key voting blocs. The message is consistent: Judge Okowa’s re-election is not just a Kenyan objective, but a pan-African imperative.

Observers note that this aggressive early campaigning is a departure from the more reactive diplomacy of the past. It reflects a confident Nairobi that is willing to expend political capital to secure its interests in multilateral institutions. "We are leaving nothing to chance," a senior diplomat in the entourage remarked. "Judge Okowa represents the best of us, and the world needs her wisdom on that bench."

As the summit concludes, the focus shifts to the broader UN membership. However, securing the unified backing of the African Union is the critical first step. With Mudavadi’s rallying cry, the path to 2027 looks promising, setting the stage for Kenya to continue its legacy of legal excellence on the world stage.