By Diana Arodi
Kenya is mourning following the sudden death of Chief Kadhi Sheikh Athman Abdulhalim Hussein.
His passed on while in Mombasa on the evening of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as confirmed by Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, Imam of Nairobi’s Jamia Mosque.
Sheikh Abdulhalim, who led the Kadhi’s Courts since July 2023, was widely respected for his humility, legal scholarship and unwavering commitment to justice
President William Ruto expressed profound sorrow, conveying that, “He will be remembered as a great Islamic scholar who was committed to justice.
“We pray that Allah brings comfort to his family and the entire Muslim community at this time of sorrow,” he condoled.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula offered solidarity in mourning, highlighting the late leader’s “steadfast leadership of the Muslim community, his humility, wisdom and courage” and echoed the Muslim phrase, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”
Chief Justice Martha Koome led the Judiciary in paying tribute, calling Sheikh Abdulhalim’s death “a great loss to Kenya” and lauding his “unwavering dedication, humility, integrity” in administering both Islamic jurisprudence and our national rule of law.
She further noted, “As Chief Kadhi, he was a champion of justice, fairness and equity… a deeply spiritual and principled leader who championed peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity and harmony in our society.”
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale remembered him as “a great scholar and leader of the ummah, humble and soft spoken.”
“I miss a brother,” Duale expressed.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir also mourned the loss, stating, “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return… he served the Kenyan Ummah dedicatedly in many ways.”
Others included Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, who described Sheikh Abdulhalim as “a beacon of hope and wisdom,” adding that his “approach to justice… reflected deep empathy, integrity, mentorship and wisdom.”
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ODM’s Gladys Wanga, UDA SG Hassan Omar and MPs such as Adan Keynan and Mohamed Soud Machele also honoured his contributions to the judiciary, women’s rights, unity and interfaith harmony.
Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein’s death marks the end of a distinguished tenure.
Appointed by the Judicial Service Commission in July 2023, he served as the eleventh Chief Kadhi and oversaw Muslim personal law across marriage, divorce, inheritance and related matters.
From his early career as Kadhi in Kwale, Mombasa and Nairobi to his leadership at the highest ranks, he leaves behind a legacy of principled service rooted in faith and justice.
May his soul rest in peace and his legacy endure.