Chief Kadhi of Kenya, Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein, Passes Away in Mombasa

MOMBASA, Kenya, July 10, 2025 – Kenya’s Muslim community is mourning the death of Sheikh Athman Abdulhalim Hussein, the Chief Kadhi of Kenya, who passed away today in Mombasa.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the loss, expressing profound sadness over the passing of the esteemed religious leader and scholar.

The Imam of Nairobi’s Jamia Mosque confirmed that Sheikh Abdulhalim’s funeral will take place in Mombasa after Asr prayers today.

Sheikh Abdulhalim, appointed Chief Kadhi in July 2023 by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), was a unifying figure known for his efforts to foster cohesion within Kenya’s Muslim community.

His brief but impactful tenure focused on resolving disputes over moon sightings for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, streamlining Islamic practices, and strengthening the Kadhi’s Courts.

“He was a great scholar and leader of the ummah, humble and soft-spoken,” Duale said in a statement on social media, quoting the Islamic phrase, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we will return).

Hailing from Kenya’s coastal region, Sheikh Abdulhalim’s journey to Chief Kadhi was marked by academic excellence and a distinguished career.

He was educated at Watamu Primary School and Malindi High School before pursuing higher studies at Al Azhar University in Egypt and specializing in Islamic law at King Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University in Saudi Arabia.

His career in the Kadhi’s Courts began as Kadhi 1 in Kwale, followed by roles as Principal Kadhi in Mombasa and Isiolo, and later as Senior Principal Kadhi in Nairobi.

Appointed after a competitive selection process, Sheikh Abdulhalim succeeded Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired in December 2022.

His leadership prioritized arbitration in marital disputes, addressing rising divorce rates, and improving the efficiency of the Kadhi’s Courts, which handle matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance under Islamic law.

In 2024, he called for unified moon-sighting announcements to standardize the Islamic calendar, resolving longstanding controversies.

He also advocated for supporting the needy during Ramadan, reflecting his commitment to social welfare.

Muslim leaders across Kenya have paid tribute to Sheikh Abdulhalim’s humility, intellect, and dedication.

The Kenya Fatwa Council, which celebrated his appointment with a homecoming in Mombasa in 2023, praised his efforts to unite Muslims and address challenges in education and economic disparities.

The Kadhi’s Courts, established under Article 170 of the Kenyan Constitution, remain a cornerstone for adjudicating personal status matters for Muslims.

Sheikh Abdulhalim’s passing leaves a significant void, with the JSC now responsible for appointing a successor to carry forward his legacy.

As the Muslim community prepares for Sheikh Abdulhalim’s funeral after Asr prayers in Mombasa, the event is expected to draw religious leaders and faithful from across Kenya.

His contributions to Islamic law and community unity will be remembered as a guiding light for the ummah and the nation.