Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Hon. Justice Martha Koome, has announced the passing of Supreme Court Judge and Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Commissioner, Hon. Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim.
In a heartfelt statement shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Justice Koome expressed profound sorrow on behalf of the Judiciary, the Supreme Court, the Judicial Service Commission, and herself, describing Justice Ibrahim as a towering jurist whose legacy spans courageous advocacy and principled judging.
Justice Ibrahim, who was admitted to the Bar in 1982, made history as the first member of the Kenyan Somali community to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
Before joining the Bench, he distinguished himself as a fearless human rights defender and public-spirited lawyer, working with institutions such as Kitua Cha Sheria, the Law Society of Kenya, and as a founding trustee of the Mwanga Trust.
His legal career was deeply rooted in public interest litigation and the defence of marginalised communities during some of Kenya’s most politically turbulent years.
During the struggle for multiparty democracy in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Justice Ibrahim stood firmly with pro-democracy forces, offering legal support to activists and civic groups.
His principled stance led to his detention without trial, an experience that, according to the Chief Justice, shaped his lifelong devotion to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the protection of human dignity.
Justice Ibrahim joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a Judge of the High Court and served in various stations before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
As a member of the inaugural Supreme Court Bench, he played a critical role in interpreting and giving life to Kenya’s transformative 2010 Constitution.
His judicial philosophy was marked by intellectual rigour, calm impartiality, and a deep concern for the vulnerable.
In 2022, he was unanimously elected by his fellow Justices to represent the Supreme Court at the Judicial Service Commission.
As a JSC Commissioner, he was described as a steady and thoughtful voice on matters of judicial governance, accountability, and independence, consistently championing transparency and integrity within the Judiciary.
Justice Koome noted that Justice Ibrahim firmly believed judicial independence and accountability were complementary values, not competing ones.
His work, particularly in strengthening electoral justice as Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections, helped enhance institutional preparedness and public confidence in the resolution of electoral disputes.
Describing him as a jurist of exceptional humility and integrity, the Chief Justice said Justice Ibrahim would be remembered as a collegial judge, a quiet mentor, and a steadfast guardian of constitutionalism.
The Judiciary, the Supreme Court, and the JSC extended their deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire judicial fraternity, calling for compassion and sensitivity during the period of mourning.
“May the soul of Hon. Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim rest in eternal peace,” Justice Koome concluded.
’Innā li-llāhi wa ’innā ’ilayhi rāji‘ūn.
