- Chief Kadhi Sheikh AbdulHalim Hussein has died in Mombasa.
- He was appointed in July 2023, succeeding Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar.
- The Judiciary, Muslim leaders, and politicians have paid glowing tribute.
- Described as humble, scholarly, and just, he will be buried after Asr prayers today.
- Tributes have poured in from Chief Justice Koome, CS Aden Duale, and others.
Kenya is in mourning following the sudden death of Chief Kadhi Sheikh AbdulHalim Hussein, who passed away on Wednesday in Mombasa. The news, confirmed by both the Judiciary and religious leaders, has triggered a wave of grief across the country.
Appointed in July 2023 through a Judicial Service Commission process, Sheikh AbdulHalim became the 11th Chief Kadhi of Kenya, taking over from Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired after 12 years of service.
In his role as Chief Kadhi, Sheikh AbdulHalim was entrusted with overseeing Muslim family law matters, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and custody. He also collaborated with magistrates and translated Arabic legal documents to ensure Islamic principles were upheld in Kenya’s legal system.
“He was a man of integrity, justice, and humility who served the nation with unwavering dedication.” Chief Justice Martha Koome
His leadership marked a continuation of a legacy shaped by Kadhis from Zanzibar, Lamu, and Mombasa, and he was known for calm wisdom, fairness, and scholarly depth.
A host of prominent figures joined the national mourning: Health CS Aden Duale described him as “a great scholar… humble and soft-spoken,” adding,
“May Allah forgive him, have mercy on him, and expand his resting place.” Jamia Mosque Imam Sheikh Jamaludin Osman quoted,
“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir noted: “With the grace of the Almighty, he served the Kenyan Ummah dedicatedly. May Allah grant him the highest ranks of Paradise.”
Sheikh AbdulHalim will be laid to rest in Mombasa today after Asr prayers, by Islamic tradition.
His passing marks the loss of a deeply respected religious leader, legal mind, and spiritual guide. He leaves behind a legacy grounded in faith, fairness, and humility — one that will be remembered across Kenya and beyond.
