Kenya’s Chief Kadhi Athman Abdulhalim Hussein dies in Mombasa
Sheikh Athman Abdulhalim was appointed as Kenya’s Chief Kadhi in July 2023 after a recruitment process led by the Judicial Service Commission.
Chief Kadhi Athman Abdulhalim Hussein has passed away in Mombasa, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure as the head of Kenya’s Kadhis’ courts.
His death was announced on Wednesday, July 10, by Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, Imam at Jamia Mosque.
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“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return. I am saddened to inform you of the passing of our Chief Kadhi, Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein, a while ago in Mombasa. He shall be buried in Mombasa,” Sheikh Osman said.
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 a pool of five candidates who had been shortlisted following a vacancy announcement made in April 2023.
He succeeded Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired after serving for 12 years and attaining the age of 60.
At the time of his appointment, the JSC said: “Following deliberations and careful consideration of various candidates, JSC has appointed Hon. Athman Abdulhalim Hussein as the new Chief Kadhi of the Republic of Kenya.”
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.
As the 11th person to hold the position, his leadership continued a legacy shaped by his predecessors from Zanzibar, Lamu, and Mombasa.
His death has been received with sorrow across the Muslim community and the Judiciary, where he served as a key figure in faith-based justice.
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