President William Ruto has congratulated Kenyan legal expert Phoebe Okowa following her election as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), describing her victory as a major achievement for Kenya on the international stage.
Okowa secured the requisite majority votes in both the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Security Council, paving the way for her appointment to the prestigious international judicial institution.
In a congratulatory message, Ruto said her election reflected Kenya's growing contribution to international law and demonstrated the country's capacity to produce legal professionals capable of serving in influential global institutions.
The President described the development as a moment of national pride, noting that Okowa's achievement affirmed the depth of legal expertise, integrity and excellence associated with Kenyan professionals.
"Your election is a moment of great pride for Kenya and a powerful affirmation of the depth of legal expertise, integrity and excellence that our country continues to contribute to the international community," Ruto stated.
He further wished Okowa success as she prepares to assume her new responsibilities, urging her to discharge the mandate with diligence while contributing to the court's international judicial responsibilities.
According to the President, her position will place her at the centre of efforts to uphold international law and promote peaceful resolution of disputes between countries.
"As you take up this distinguished responsibility, we wish you great success in discharging your mandate with diligence and in advancing the ICJ's mission of upholding international law and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes among nations," he added.
Ruto concluded his message by expressing Kenya's pride in Okowa's achievement, which places another Kenyan professional in a significant position within the international legal system.
The International Court of Justice, based in The Hague, Netherlands, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN organs and specialised agencies.
Its judges are elected independently by the UN General Assembly and Security Council and serve nine-year terms, with the court comprising 15 judges.
Okowa's election marks a significant milestone for Kenya's representation in international judicial affairs.