Chief Kadhi Sheikh Hussein to be buried in Mombasa today

Burial preparations are underway for Kenya’s Chief Kadhi, Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman, who passed away in Mombasa on Wednesday night.

According to the family, Sheikh Athman, who had been unwell and had recently sought treatment in India, will be laid to rest this evening in accordance with Islamic tradition.

The janaza (funeral prayer) will be held after Asr prayers at Masjid Nuru in Bondeni, Mombasa. He will then be buried at the Kikowani Cemetery, Seif Halwa section.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of my uncle, Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein. He passed away in Mombasa, and the burial, In Sha Allah, will take place in Mombasa after Asr prayers,” a family member said in a statement.

Sheikh Athman was appointed Chief Kadhi in 2023 and had served the judiciary and Muslim community with distinction. Born in Malindi, he began his early education at Watamu Primary School and later joined Malindi High School.

He also studied Islamic theology at Madrasatul Tawheed in Malindi before earning a full scholarship to Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. He graduated in 2001 with a degree in Islamic Law.

After returning to Kenya, Sheikh Athman held various teaching and administrative roles, including Deputy Administrator at Madrasatul Munawwarah in Mombasa and teacher at Ronald Ngala Primary School.

In 2005, he was appointed Kadhi of Mombasa, later serving in Kwale and Nairobi before rising to the position of Chief Kadhi of Kenya.

Sheikh Athman is remembered as a humble scholar, a dedicated public servant, and a pillar of religious leadership in the country.