Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has paid a glowing tribute to Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Ibrahim, describing his death as a devastating loss to the Judiciary and the nation at large.
In a statement, Gachagua said the passing of Justice Mohammed was “deeply painful”, hailing him as a jurist of rare intellect whose life was defined by courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to social justice, democracy and the rule of law.
“Justice Mohammed will be remembered for his intellect and commitment to social justice, the rule of law and democracy,” Gachagua said, noting that the late judge stood firmly with Kenyans during some of the country’s most difficult political moments.
The former Deputy President recalled Justice Ibrahim’s role during the struggle for multiparty democracy in the 1990s, a period marked by repression and state-sponsored crackdowns on dissent.
“He bore the brunt of dictatorial detentions during the struggle for multiparty democracy,” Gachagua said, portraying the judge not just as a legal mind, but as a freedom fighter who paid a personal price for Kenya’s democratic gains.
Justice Ibrahim, who served at the apex court, was widely respected within legal circles for his progressive interpretation of the Constitution and his sensitivity to the plight of ordinary Kenyans, particularly the marginalised.
Gachagua said the late judge inspired many across the country, both within and outside the legal profession, through his principled stand and moral clarity.
“Mohammed was a great inspiration to many people in Kenya. He lives on as a man of character and a progressive believer in justice for all, especially the marginalised,” he said.
He extended his condolences to the judge’s family, friends and colleagues, as well as the entire Judiciary, describing Justice Ibrahim as both a hero and a pillar within the institution.
“At this difficult moment, I condole with his family, friends and the entire Judiciary on the loss of a man and a hero Justice Mohammed Ibrahim was to them and to our nation,” Gachagua said.
According to the former Deputy President, Justice Ibrahim’s death represents a profound national loss whose impact will be felt far beyond the courts.
“His death is a big blow not only to the Judiciary but also to Kenya as a whole,” he added.
Justice Mohammed’s legacy, Gachagua said, will endure through the democratic values he defended and the jurisprudence he leaves behind — a lasting reminder of the price paid by those who fought to entrench justice and democracy in Kenya.
The Law Society of Kenya said Justice Mohammed was a towering source of inspiration to all who dared to dream.
