President William Ruto of Kenya has praised law professor Phoebe Nyawade Okowa following her election as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Okowa's election was a moment of great pride for Kenya and a powerful affirmation of the legal expertise, integrity and excellence the country continues to offer the international community. Ruto congratulated Okowa on her election, wishing her great success in discharging her mandate with diligence and in advancing the ICJ's mission of upholding international law and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes among nations.
Phoebe Nyawade Okowa was elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice on Tuesday, 3 November, after winning the required majority in separate ballots held by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. She received 183 votes in the General Assembly and 13 in the 15-member Security Council. Her election followed several rounds of voting and diplomatic efforts to consolidate support for her candidature, including the withdrawal of Sierra Leone's Prof Charles Jalloh, who had also been contesting the seat.
Okowa will serve a full nine-year term at the court, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, until 2036. She was first elected to the ICJ in November 2025, after four rounds of voting, to fill a seat left vacant by the resignation of Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf. This week's vote secures her a full term, and she will serve alongside newly elected judges from the United Kingdom, France, Singapore and Jordan, who also secured positions in the latest election.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei also congratulated Okowa, saying her election reflected the international community's confidence in her ability to serve the court. He thanked members of the General Assembly and the Security Council for their support and also thanked Sierra Leone, South Korea and Ecuador for withdrawing their candidates after the third round, a move he said helped avoid a prolonged electoral process.
Okowa's election is a significant milestone for Kenya, as she becomes the first Kenyan to sit on the court and now secures a full term. President Ruto expressed his pride in Okowa's achievement, stating that Kenya is proud of her and wishes her great success in her new role. Okowa's election is also seen as a reflection of the country's growing influence in international affairs.
The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, responsible for settling disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on international law. Okowa's election to the court is a significant achievement for Kenya and the African continent, as she will play a crucial role in shaping international law and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes among nations.
President Ruto's congratulatory message to Okowa was conveyed through his official Twitter account, where he expressed his pride in her achievement and wished her great success in her new role. The Kenyan government has welcomed Okowa's election, and it is expected that she will play a significant role in promoting Kenya's interests and values at the international level.
Key points
- Okowa received 183 votes in the General Assembly and 13 in the Security Council.
- Okowa will serve a full nine-year term at the ICJ until 2036.
- Okowa's election is a moment of great pride for Kenya and a reflection of the country's growing influence in international affairs.
