The nation is mourning the sudden death of the Chief Kadhi of Kenya, Sheikh AbdulHalim Hussein, who passed away on Wednesday in Mombasa.
The solemn news was confirmed by both the Judiciary and religious leaders, triggering an outpouring of grief from across the country.
Sheikh AbdulHalim was appointed Chief Kadhi in July 2023, following a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Judicial Service Commission.
He succeeded Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired after serving as Kenya’s Chief Kadhi for 12 years. Sheikh AbdulHalim became the 11th person to hold this pivotal religious and judicial position, continuing a legacy shaped by predecessors from Zanzibar, Lamu, and Mombasa.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, speaking on behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission, expressed her deep sorrow, calling Sheikh AbdulHalim “a man of integrity, justice, and humility who served the nation with unwavering dedication.”
She emphasized his invaluable contributions to the administration of personal law among Muslim communities and praised his leadership in upholding fairness and equity in judicial processes.
During his time in office, Sheikh AbdulHalim was tasked with handling family law matters among Muslims, particularly those involving inheritance, divorce, and marriage.
His role also included translating Arabic documents, maintaining official records of family-related rulings, and working alongside magistrates to ensure justice was served in accordance with Islamic law.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the late Chief Kadhi as “a great scholar and leader of the Ummah, humble and soft-spoken.” He added, “I miss a brother. May Allah forgive him, have mercy on him, and grant him strength and pardon. May He be generous to him and expand his resting place.”
Jamia Mosque Imam Sheikh Jamaludin Osman also mourned the scholar, reciting the Quranic phrase, “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return.”
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir joined in mourning, noting: “With the grace of the Almighty, he served the Kenyan Ummah dedicatedly in many ways. May Allah pardon him and grant him the highest ranks of Paradise.”
Sheikh AbdulHalim will be laid to rest in Mombasa after Asr prayers today. He leaves behind a legacy of humility, religious scholarship, and service to justice.
