Duale announces death of Chief Khadi Abdulhalim Hussein
By Mustafa Juma, July 10, 2025Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced with deep sorrow the passing of the Chief Kadhi of Kenya, Sheikh Athman Abdulhalim Hussein.
Duale, in a statement shared via his official social media accounts in the wee hours of Thursday, July 10, 2025, described Hussein as a great scholar, religious leader, and beloved brother in faith.
According to Duale, Sheikh Abdulhalim passed away in Mombasa, where he had long served as a pillar of the Muslim community and a guiding voice for justice, faith, and unity within the ummah.
Duale, in the heartfelt message, has paid tribute to the late scholar’s humility, wisdom, and quiet strength.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” following the death of our scholar, brother, and religious leader, the Chief Khadi of Kenya, Brother Abdulhalim Hussein, in Mombasa. He was a great scholar and leader of the ummah, humble and soft-spoken. I miss a brother,” Duale stated.
Duale also offered a moving prayer for the late Sheikh, invoking traditional Islamic supplications for mercy and eternal peace.
“O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him, and give him strength and pardon him. Be generous to him, and enlarge his entrance (to his abode), and wash him with water and snow and hail. O Allah, protect his family and give them patience during this mourning period,” Duale wrote on X.
Sheikh Abdulhalim’s appointment
Abdulhalim was appointed in July 2023 by the Judicial Service Commission from among five candidates shortlisted for the position.
“Following deliberations and careful consideration of various candidates, JSC has appointed Hon. Athman Abdulhalim Hussein as the new Chief Kadhi of the Republic of Kenya,” JSC said in a statement.
He replaced Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired after 12 years of service and attained the mandatory 60-year retirement age.
Chief Kadhi’s role
Kadhi’s Courts in Kenya hold a crucial role in the administration of justice, particularly matters relating to the personal law of Muslims.
The courts deal with matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other family matters based on Islamic law.
The Chief Kadhi has a critical role in maintaining the integrity of Islamic jurisprudence within the Kenyan legal system.