Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein is dead
Sheikh Abdulhalim passed away in Mombasa.
1mon agoBRIAN ORUTANews
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Sukyan
Omar Hassan as the Acting Chief Kadhi, effective August 8, 2025.
His appointment follows the death of Chief Kadhi Sheikh
Athman Abdul-Halim on July 10, 2025.
In a statement, the JSC said the decision was made during
its meeting held on July 14, 2025, in line with Article 170 of the
Constitution and Section 2 of the Kadhis’ Court Act.
“Sukyan Omar Hassan, Senior Principal Kadhi, has been
appointed to act in the position of Chief Kadhi with effect from August 6, 2025.
“Omar will discharge all the duties and responsibilities of
the Chief Kadhi during the acting period,” the statement by Chief Registrar of the
Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya said.
During late Athman’s tenure, Sukyan served as Deputy Chief
Kadhi.
According to the commission, he will hold the position for
three months or until the position is substantively filled, whichever comes
first.
The position of Chief Kadhi became vacant after the passing
of Sheikh Abdul-Halim, who served in the role until his death.
Sheikh Abdulhalim passed away in Mombasa, bringing an abrupt
end to his tenure as the head of Kenya’s Kadhis’ courts.
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.
