The death of Kenya’s Chief Kadhi, Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman, marks the end of an era for the Muslim community and the broader Kenyan society. A deeply respected religious leader, scholar, and custodian of Islamic jurisprudence, Sheikh Athman passed away following a period of illness, during which he had sought treatment in India.
According to his family, he will be laid to rest this evening, 10th July 2025, in Mombasa in line with Islamic funeral rites, which emphasise prompt burial, ideally within 24 hours of death. His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from leaders, religious institutions, and ordinary citizens alike, not only because of his personal contributions, but also because of what he symbolised in the long tradition of Islamic judicial leadership in Kenya.
The Life Of Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman
Sheikh Athman’s life and service offer a profound window into the enduring importance of the Kadhis’ Courts and the office of the Chief Kadhi in Kenya’s legal and socio-political landscape. His death is not just the passing of an individual but the closure of a chapter in a deeply rooted historical institution that continues to shape the moral and legal fabric of the nation. At the time of his passing, Sheikh Athman had become a unifying figure across different Islamic schools of thought, known for his deep understanding of Sharia law, quiet diplomacy, and his ability to navigate the often complex interplay between religion and state.
The position of the Chief Kadhi is enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution and traces its roots far beyond colonial times, into the pre-colonial Indian Ocean trade era. Historically, the Kadhis served as judges, advisors, and spiritual leaders, applying Islamic law to matters of personal status such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance within the Muslim community. In coastal regions like Mombasa, Lamu, and Malindi, where Islamic influence dates back over a millennium, the institution of the Kadhi was integral to governance, dispute resolution, and the preservation of social order. These Kadhis not only interpreted the Quran and Hadith but also provided counsel in times of political uncertainty, social transition, and conflict resolution.
During colonial rule, the British recognized the central role that Islamic law and the Kadhis played in the local administration of justice, particularly in the Coast Province, which was heavily influenced by Swahili and Arab culture. To secure local support, the colonial administration chose not to displace the Islamic legal tradition but rather co-opted it, formally recognizing Kadhis’ Courts in 1895 under the British East Africa Protectorate. The courts were given jurisdiction over Muslim personal law and operated parallel to colonial legal systems. The inclusion of the Kadhis’ Courts in this framework reflected not only pragmatic colonial governance but also a recognition of the deep legitimacy these courts commanded among local populations.
Upon independence in 1963, Kenya retained the Kadhis’ Courts as part of its judicial structure. The 2010 Constitution reaffirmed this arrangement, explicitly providing for the establishment of Kadhis’ Courts under Article 170. These courts are mandated to determine questions of Muslim personal law in proceedings where all parties are Muslims and consent to the court’s jurisdiction. The office of the Chief Kadhi, as the head of these courts, became even more central in ensuring consistency, fairness, and adherence to religious law across the nation.
Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman 17-Year Service
Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman was appointed Chief Kadhi in 2008 and served through a critical period that saw Kenya undergo deep political, legal, and constitutional reforms. Born in the coastal region and deeply steeped in Islamic scholarship, Sheikh Athman was known for his academic rigor and balanced interpretations of Islamic law. His approach reflected a modern sensibility grounded in tradition; he was a bridge between conservative religious values and the progressive calls for human rights and justice that emerged in the new constitutional era.
One of his most significant roles was in ensuring that the Kadhis’ Courts operated within the framework of Kenya’s national judicial system while maintaining their religious integrity. This dual accountability, both to the faith and to the Constitution, required tact, deep knowledge, and diplomacy. Under his leadership, the Kadhis’ Courts became more accessible and better integrated into the broader justice sector. He championed judicial training, community sensitization, and legal clarity, often working quietly with other arms of government to resolve complex religious and cultural questions.
His influence extended beyond the courtroom. Sheikh Athman was frequently consulted by political leaders on matters ranging from election tensions to constitutional debates. During times of religious or ethnic tension, his voice often emerged as one of reason, moderation, and moral clarity. He was particularly active in promoting interfaith dialogue and co-existence, especially between Muslims and Christians in parts of the country prone to religious misunderstanding. His counsel was also instrumental in efforts to counter violent extremism, where his moderate voice and theological grounding served as a bulwark against radical narratives that sought to manipulate Islam for political ends.
In public life, Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman displayed a rare mix of humility and authority. He avoided political grandstanding but was unafraid to speak truth to power. On issues of justice, corruption, and youth disenfranchisement, he remained consistently vocal, urging the state to fulfil its constitutional obligations while also calling on Muslims to play a constructive role in nation-building. His khutbahs (Friday sermons) and public addresses often dealt with the practical realities of living a faithful life in a rapidly changing world, offering spiritual guidance alongside civic responsibility.
The passing of Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman also invites a deeper reflection on the future of the Kadhis’ Courts and the evolving role of religion in governance. While the courts are constitutionally protected, they have occasionally come under scrutiny, especially from groups advocating for a strict separation of religion and state. During the 2010 constitutional review process, there was heated public debate on whether the Kadhis’ Courts should remain part of Kenya’s judicial structure. Critics argued for a fully secular system, while proponents pointed to the courts’ historical legitimacy and their vital role in the lives of Muslims. The courts were ultimately retained, a decision that underscored Kenya’s pluralistic approach to justice and governance.
Today, the Kadhis’ Courts continue to operate in at least 47 counties, reflecting the growing presence and needs of Muslim communities beyond the Coast. The expanding jurisdiction—both geographically and in terms of the complexity of issues brought before the courts—calls for a renewed focus on training, resources, and modernisation. The courts must also continue navigating the delicate balance between respecting religious doctrine and aligning with the human rights standards enshrined in the Constitution.
Sheikh Athman’s death leaves a significant void at a time when such leadership is desperately needed. As Kenya grapples with economic uncertainty, political polarisation, and societal transformations, voices like his, calm, learned, and grounded in both faith and civic duty, are increasingly rare. His legacy will not only be remembered in legal judgments or religious declarations, but also in the countless lives he touched through his advocacy for justice, reconciliation, and moral clarity.
Tributes To Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman
The tributes pouring in from across the country, politicians, religious leaders, civil society actors, and ordinary Kenyans, paint a picture of a man who commanded respect across the spectrum. President William Ruto expressed his condolences, describing Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman as a “pillar of religious unity and social cohesion.” Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga recalled him as “a wise man who guided not only the Muslim faithful but the nation at large.”
As his body is prepared for burial in Mombasa this evening, in accordance with Islamic tradition, there is a palpable sense of collective mourning but also gratitude. Gratitude for a life well-lived, for leadership that prioritised harmony over division, and for a legacy that will outlive the man himself. His journey from the quiet streets of Mombasa to the highest echelons of religious leadership in Kenya is emblematic of what thoughtful, grounded service can achieve.
In death, Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman reminds us of the quiet strength embedded in institutions like the Kadhis’ Courts, often overlooked, yet foundational in holding together the cultural, spiritual, and legal pillars of society. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the institution he served so faithfully continues to evolve with integrity, justice, and the same dedication that marked his decades of service.
As Kenya bids farewell to its Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman, it also renews its commitment to the values he stood for: justice, compassion, peace, and faith. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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