Leaders, legal fraternity pay tribute to late Supreme Court judge Mohamed Ibrahim

Condolences have poured in following the death of Supreme Court Judge Mohamed Ibrahim, who has been hailed as a principled jurist and a steadfast defender of human rights, leaving a legacy of integrity and service to Kenya’s Judiciary.

Leaders, colleagues and members of the legal fraternity have described his passing as a profound loss, highlighting his commitment to constitutionalism, electoral justice and protection of the vulnerable.

Chief Justice Martha Koome led the Judiciary's tributes, extending her deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the entire Judiciary.

“On behalf of the Judiciary, the Supreme Court of Kenya, the Judicial Service Commission and on my own behalf, I convey, with profound sorrow, the news of the passing on of Hon. (Mr.) Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Judiciary and JSC during this moment of immense loss,” Koome said.

Koome described him as “a jurist of exceptional humility and integrity… a steadfast guardian of constitutionalism, electoral justice and human dignity.”

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula highlighted Justice Mohamed’s role in promoting social justice and equality for minority groups. He recalled that the judge often offered pro bono legal services and called his loss “monumental for the legal industry and the Judiciary at large.”

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi remembered Justice Ibrahim as a jurist who rose through the ranks to the apex court, contributing to critical decisions that expanded Kenya’s jurisprudence and strengthened the rule of law.

He praised the judge’s mentorship of young advocates and judicial officers and expressed admiration for his calm demeanour and wisdom, extending heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Senate.

“I join my colleagues in the legal profession in celebrating Justice Ibrahim for his wealth of experience, mentorship of countless advocates and judicial officers, and contribution to the expansion and growth of our Judiciary, enabling it to serve Kenyans effectively. We will miss his warmth, calm demeanour, and wisdom,” he said.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki described him as a sharply intelligent and fiercely independent jurist, who also mentored younger members of the Kenyan Bench and Bar with calm authority.

He noted that Justice Ibrahim’s influence on Kenya’s legal and judicial system would be felt for generations.

“Justice Mohamed spent many years defending the rights and freedoms of others as a public interest lawyer, before becoming a judge. He distinguished himself as a sharp judicial mind, fiercely independent and a calm but firm mentor to many younger members of the Kenyan Bench and the Bar,” he said.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga described Justice Mohamed’s career as marked by trailblazing leadership, intellectual depth and unwavering dedication to public service.

Ingonga noted that as the first Kenyan Somali admitted to the Bar and later elevated to the Supreme Court, Mohamed broke barriers and inspired generations of legal practitioners. He highlighted the judge’s steadfast advocacy for minority rights and his lifelong commitment to social justice.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also paid tribute, noting that Mohamed had been a pioneer in Kenya’s legal history and a leader of the constitutional reform movement in the 1980s. He described the judge as a defender of human rights who served the nation with integrity and courage, adding that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of lawyers and public servants.

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“As members of the Somali community, we mourn a pioneer whose life expanded horizons for many and whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of lawyers and public servants. May his family find strength and comfort, and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka remembered Justice Mohamed for his quiet brilliance and principle-driven decisions during Kenya’s landmark cases, including the 2017 presidential petition. He highlighted the judge’s dedication to shielding the judiciary from political interference and his belief in strong institutions as the foundation of democracy.

Musyoka extended condolences to the judge’s family, colleagues, and the judicial fraternity, saying, “We belong to God, and to Him we will return. May God forgive him, grant him the highest level of Paradise, and give his loved ones patience and peace.”

DAP-K Leader Eugene Wamalwa and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli also expressed sorrow, praising Justice Ibrahim’s integrity, wisdom, and commitment to social justice, noting that his 14-year tenure at the Supreme Court significantly shaped constitutional jurisprudence and protected workers’ and citizens’ rights.

Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo said his rare calmness spoke of a man who fully understood the role of judicial authority as an opportunity to serve and the nuances of justice as a tool for maintaining social order.

“I have received the sad news of the passing on of Hon. Mr Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, SCJ. Justice Ibrahim served on the bench with unparalleled grace and distinguished intellect. His rare calmness spoke of a man who fully understood the role of judicial authority as an opportunity to serve, and the nuances of justice as a tool for maintaining social order. His passing is a big loss to the Supreme Court, the Judiciary, and the administration of Justice in Kenya. He will be dearly missed by all who experienced him,” she said.

"Justice Mohamed’s legacy bridges courageous advocacy with principled judging, upholding the rule of law and championing the rights of the marginalised throughout Kenya."

Justice Mohamed passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, shortly after 4.30 pm at a Nairobi hospital. He had been receiving treatment in an intensive care unit in India, but doctors recommended that he be brought back to Kenya to spend his final days at home.

He is survived by his wife and four children.

Born in 1956, Justice Mohamed was the first member of the Kenyan Somali community to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in 1982. He practised at notable law firms before establishing his own practice, Mohammed Ibrahim & Associates, in 1994, which later expanded to Ibrahim & Isaack Advocates.

His legal career was distinguished by public interest litigation, human rights advocacy and civic engagement, particularly during Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

His principled advocacy led to his detention without trial in July 1990, including a month in solitary confinement in Kamiti Prison, for supporting pro-democracy activists.

Koome said Justice Mohamed championed minority rights, notably defending the Somali community against discriminatory practices such as the issuance of “pink cards” that relegated them to second-class citizenship.

“He actively participated in the Law Society of Kenya as a Council Member and engaged with organisations including Kituo cha Sheria, Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, and as a founding trustee of the Mwangaza Trust,” she said.

He joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a High Court Judge, serving in Civil, Commercial and Judicial Review and Constitutional Divisions. He was Resident Judge at Eldoret High Court from 2007 to 2009 before transferring to Mombasa. On June 16, 2011, he was appointed to Kenya’s inaugural Supreme Court bench, where he contributed significantly to interpreting and upholding the 2010 Constitution.

In 2021, Justice Mohamed was appointed Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections, and in May 2022, he was unanimously elected by his peers as the Supreme Court representative to the JSC.