Nairobi — Court of Appeal Judge Wanjiru Karanja is among 14 candidates vying for six seats on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Assembly of States Parties will elect the new judges at its twenty‑second session, which runs from 4 to 14 December 2023.
Lady Justice Karanja has been nominated for List A, which comprises candidates with proven competence in criminal law and procedure, as well as the requisite experience in criminal law. The 63‑year‑old judge was elevated to the Court of Appeal in December 2011, where she has continued to handle appeals in both criminal and civil matters originating from subordinate courts and the High Court.
In accordance with the Rome Statute’s legal framework (article 36, paragraph 3), ICC judges “shall be chosen from among persons of high moral character, impartiality, and integrity who possess the qualifications required in their respective States for appointment to the highest judicial office.” Justice Karanja holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi (1979‑1984) and a Master of Laws in Public International Law from the University of London (2007‑2009). She is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London and Kenya branches.
“One of the modules in my LLM class was on International Courts and Tribunals. I have practiced criminal law for most of my judicial career spanning 38 years; I am passionate about the administration of justice in criminal law locally and internationally,” she wrote in her application.
The International Criminal Court investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
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