Final salute: CJ Koome leads Judiciary in honouring Chief Kadhi Sheikh

Chief Justice Martha Koome with other Judiciary members at the home of the late Chief Kadhi Hussein in Mombasa on July 26,2025/X

Chief Justice Martha Koome led a high-powered delegation from the Judiciary to the Mombasa home of the late Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein to condole with his family.

Accompanied by senior judicial officers, including Court of Appeal President Justice Daniel Musinga and Deputy Chief Kadhi Sukyan Hassan, Koome expressed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family and paid tribute to the late religious leader.

She hailed Sheikh Abdulhalim as a man of deep integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to justice.

"The late Sheikh Abdulhalim served the Judiciary and the people of Kenya with unwavering dedication, humility, and integrity," said Koome.

She described him as not only a pillar within the Judiciary but also a spiritual leader who strengthened the moral foundation of the nation through service guided by Islamic principles and the constitution.

Justices Agnes Murgor, Grace Ngenye, Anthony Mrima, Jairus Ngaah, Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya, and Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku were also present.

Sheikh Abdulhalim passed away on July 10, 2025, at his Tudor home in Mombasa, where he had been receiving care. He was 54. 

He was laid to rest on July 10 at Seif Halwa Cemetery in Kikowani in accordance with Islamic rites.

His death came just two years after his appointment as Chief Kadhi, a position he assumed in July 2023, succeeding Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar.

Born in Malindi, Sheikh Abdulhalim 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 scholarship to study at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, graduating in 2001 with a degree in Islamic Law. 

In 2005, he was appointed Kadhi of Mombasa.

Over the years, he served in various regions, including Mombasa, Kwale, Nairobi, and Isiolo, before rising to the top of the Kadhi’s Courts, which handle matters of personal law for Muslims in Kenya.

His passing drew tributes from leaders across the country, including President William Ruto, Health CS Aden Duale and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who praised him for his wisdom, humility, and steadfast commitment to service.