As Raila Odinga prepares to take the helm of the African Union Commission (AUC), there is renewed optimism that his tenure could spark transformative reforms in the African Court of Justice.
Given his credentials as a reformist and his unwavering dedication to justice, Raila’s AUC leadership holds immense potential for strengthening judicial accountability across the continent.
Through operationalising and reforming the African Court, Raila’s leadership may finally address long-standing issues of fairness and accessibility in Africa’s justice systems.
One of the central goals of a strengthened African Court of Justice would be to bring justice closer to home, especially for those accused of serious crimes.
For too long, Africa’s high-profile cases have been shuttled to international courts like the Hague—a legacy of post-colonial structures that often alienates Africans from their justice systems.
If Raila succeeds in creating a robust, autonomous African Court, no African citizen should face retrial in foreign jurisdictions for crimes committed on African soil.
Such a move would demonstrate the continent’s commitment to administering justice independently, showcasing to the world that Africa has both the will and the capacity to handle its legal affairs.
Beyond individual cases, the benefits of an accountable African Court extend into the economic realm. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to bolster intra-African trade, enhance economic integration, and create a single market for goods and services.
Yet, with such an expansive network of cross-border trade, there is an urgent need for a central judicial body that can arbitrate disputes fairly and effectively.
Raila’s push to reform the African Court could thus play a critical role in fostering a predictable legal environment that reduces the risk of business conflicts, protects investments, and ensures a level playing field.
This would make the AfCFTA’s vision not only achievable but sustainable, providing a judicial safety net that builds investor confidence and economic resilience across Africa.
Raila’s track record speaks volumes about his potential to lead such reforms. As one of the architects of Kenya’s progressive 2010 Constitution, he was instrumental in championing judicial accountability within Kenya’s borders.
His support for the Judiciary, particularly during Kenya’s turbulent constitutional reforms of 2009 and beyond, underscored his commitment to a free and independent judicial system.
Raila has consistently advocated for transparency, judicial independence, and checks on executive power—values that are critical for any functioning legal system.
His longstanding activism since 1992 only strengthens his credentials, and his legacy in Kenya today stands as proof of his potential impact on the African stage.
At this juncture, the African Court of Justice requires a champion with both vision and grit. Raila has the background and experience to transform this institution into a beacon of justice for the continent.
A reformed African Court under his leadership could become a central pillar of the African Union, holding leaders accountable, providing justice to ordinary Africans, and setting a precedent that African issues should be resolved by African institutions.
The justice possibilities under Raila’s AUC presidency are, indeed, transformative. By making the African Court accessible and reliable, he could help create a future where every African citizen can seek justice without the shadow of foreign influence.
He could bring us closer to an Africa where justice is not just a distant ideal, but a lived reality. With his track record and his vision, the future of African justice appears brighter than ever.
The author is Billy Mijungu, a political analyst and commentator on Kenyan politics.