Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Passes Away at 55

Chief Kadhi Athman Abdulhalim.

Kenya is mourning the death of Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein, who passed away early Thursday morning in Mombasa at the age of 55. His untimely death has shocked and saddened many across the country, especially within the Muslim community and the wider legal and religious leadership.

The announcement was made by Jamia Mosque Imam Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, who confirmed that the Chief Kadhi would be buried in accordance with Islamic rites after Asr prayers in Mombasa. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed.

Sheikh Abdulhalim, a respected Islamic scholar and jurist, was appointed as the Chief Kadhi of Kenya in July 2023 by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). He succeeded Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired after years of dedicated service.

An alumnus of the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Egypt, Abdulhalim brought with him deep knowledge of Islamic law and years of judicial experience. He began serving as a Kadhi in 2005 and worked in several counties including Nairobi, Kwale, and Mombasa before rising to the country’s top Islamic judicial office.

His leadership as Chief Kadhi was marked by humility, fairness, and a strong commitment to justice. He was widely admired for his ability to unite people across religious and ethnic divides, and for his soft-spoken yet firm approach in handling both spiritual and legal matters within the Kadhi’s Courts.

Leaders from all corners of the country have sent their condolences. President William Ruto described him as “a devout scholar, a humble servant, and a true man of peace who devoted his life to service and the promotion of harmony among Kenyans.” Health CS Aden Duale also mourned the late Kadhi, saying his death is a huge loss to the Muslim ummah and the entire nation. Chief Justice Martha Koome, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir also joined in paying glowing tributes.

His death leaves a significant void in Kenya’s religious and judicial landscape. As the country prepares to lay him to rest, many remember him not only as a leader in the legal community but also as a mentor, a scholar, and a bridge-builder.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un

Reporting by: Kelvin Ng’ang’a
Thika, Kenya – July 10, 2025