The Judiciary has announced the passing of Hon. Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim, CBS, SCJ, describing his death as a profound loss to Kenya’s justice system and the nation at large.
In a condolence message issued by Chief Justice Martha Koome on behalf of the Judiciary, the Supreme Court, and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the Judiciary said Justice Ibrahim passed on after a distinguished career marked by courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to constitutionalism .
Justice Ibrahim was remembered as a trailblazing advocate, human rights defender, and public-spirited lawyer long before his appointment to the Bench. Admitted to the Bar in 1982, he practised law with leading firms before establishing his own practice and engaging deeply in public interest litigation during some of Kenya’s most politically challenging periods.
His work with civil society organisations such as Kituo cha Sheria and the Law Society of Kenya, as well as his role as a founding trustee of the Mwangaza Trust, reflected a lifelong dedication to access to justice, inclusion, and the defence of fundamental rights .
During Kenya’s 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 marginalised communities. The Judiciary noted that his principled advocacy often came at great personal cost, including detention without trial, but never diminished his belief in the rule of law and human dignity.
He joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a High Court judge and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2011 as a member of its inaugural bench. In that role, he was entrusted with giving meaning and effect to the transformative 2010 Constitution, earning respect for his intellectual rigour, calm impartiality, and deep concern for the vulnerable and marginalised.
In 2022, Justice Ibrahim was unanimously elected by his fellow Supreme Court judges to represent the Court at the Judicial Service Commission. As a JSC commissioner, he was described as a steady and thoughtful voice on judicial governance, appointments, discipline, and institutional strengthening, consistently championing transparency, integrity, and fidelity to constitutional norms .
He also served as Chairperson of the Judicial Committee on Elections and previously chaired the ad hoc Judiciary Working Committee on Election Preparations, roles through which he helped strengthen institutional readiness and public confidence in the adjudication of electoral disputes.
The Judiciary said Justice Ibrahim will be remembered as a jurist of exceptional humility and integrity, a quiet mentor, and a steadfast guardian of constitutionalism, electoral justice, and human dignity.
As the Judiciary, the Supreme Court, and the JSC mourn his passing, they extended their deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire legal fraternity, calling for compassion and sensitivity during the period of collective grief.
