Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein is dead

Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein has passed away.

Sheikh Abdulhalim passed away in Mombasa, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure as the head of Kenya’s Kadhis’ courts.

His death was announced on Wednesday, July 10, by Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, the Imam of Jamia Mosque.

“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return. I am saddened to inform you of the passing of our Chief Kadhi, Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein, a while ago in Mombasa.

“He shall be buried in Mombasa,” Sheikh Osman said.

Sheikh Abdulhalim was appointed as Kenya’s Chief Kadhi in July 2023 after a recruitment process led by the Judicial Service Commission.

He was selected from among five candidates who had been shortlisted to succeed Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired after serving for 12 years and attaining the age of 60.

The role of Chief Kadhi is a constitutional position within the Judiciary and is reserved for Muslims who meet specific qualifications, including holding a degree in Islamic Law, being of good conduct according to Islamic principles, and being members of recognised Islamic associations.

The office also requires adherence to Chapter Six of the Constitution.

During his time in office, Sheikh Abdulhalim was responsible for handling family matters among Muslims, especially those related to inheritance, divorce, and marriage.

His work also included translating Arabic documents, overseeing Kadhi court registries and maintaining official records of family-related rulings in collaboration with magistrates.

Sheikh Abdulhalim was he eleventh holder of the office of Chief Kadhi.