Kenya is mourning the death of Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim, who passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in Nairobi after a prolonged illness. He was 69 years old.
In a statement, the Judiciary of Kenya confirmed his death, describing it as a major loss to the country’s justice system. Justice Ibrahim had been unwell for some time and had previously sought specialised medical treatment abroad before returning to the country.
Justice Ibrahim was one of the most respected jurists in Kenya’s legal history. He joined the Judiciary in 2003, serving first as a High Court judge, where he handled major constitutional, commercial, and human rights cases. His diligence and integrity later saw him appointed to the Court of Appeal, where he further cemented his reputation as a firm and independent judge.
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Following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, Justice Ibrahim was appointed to the Supreme Court of Kenya, becoming one of the judges who helped shape the country’s young apex court. During his tenure, he played a key role in landmark decisions touching on constitutional interpretation, electoral disputes, governance, and access to justice. He was also widely recognised as a trailblazer, being among the first Kenyan Somalis to rise to the highest levels of the Judiciary.
Throughout his career, Justice Ibrahim was admired for his commitment to constitutionalism, protection of minority rights, and defence of the rule of law. Colleagues often described him as humble, principled, and deeply thoughtful in his judgments.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and members of the legal fraternity have paid glowing tributes, terming his death a huge blow to the Supreme Court, the Judiciary, and the nation at large.
Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family and the Judiciary in due course.
