Supreme Court Judge Ibrahim Khadhar Mohammed passed away on Wednesday after battling an illness. He was due to proceed on terminal leave ahead of his mandatory retirement on January 1, 2026, and died in hospital just after 4:30 p.m.
Justice Ibrahim had a distinguished 23-year judicial career, marked by institutional reform, leadership in jurisprudence, and a legacy of advancing access to justice. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Chief Justice Martha Koome confirmed his death, praising Justice Ibrahim as “a steadfast guardian of constitutionalism, electoral justice, and human dignity.” She recalled his impressive journey, highlighting his earlier years as a trailblazing advocate, human rights defender, and public-spirited lawyer.
The late judge was the first member of the Kenyan Somali community to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in 1982. He was actively involved in public interest litigation and civic advocacy, working with Kituo cha Sheria and the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights. His commitment to human rights during Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy in the late 1980s and early 1990s led to his detention without trial.
Justice Ibrahim’s experience deeply shaped his devotion to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the protection of human dignity. He joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a High Court judge and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2011, where he played a key role in implementing Kenya’s transformative 2010 Constitution. He served as Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections and represented the Supreme Court on the Judicial Service Commission, consistently championing transparency, integrity, and judicial independence.
In her tribute, Chief Justice Koome described Justice Ibrahim as a “collegial judge, a quiet mentor, and a firm believer in principles over prominence,” noting his unwavering commitment to his oath of office, his service to the country, and his compassion for the voiceless.
The Judiciary, the Supreme Court, and the JSC expressed deep sorrow at his passing and extended their condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the wider legal community.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo reflected on Justice Ibrahim’s calmness and his profound understanding of judicial authority as a tool to serve society. She noted that he was a towering figure of inspiration, particularly as the first member of the Kenyan-Somali community to be admitted to the Bar at a time when his community was marginalized.
In a heartfelt message, Lawyer Gitobu Imanyara honored Justice Ibrahim as a principled jurist whose life was marked by courage, restraint, and a commitment to justice and constitutionalism. Imanyara recalled their shared experience of detention without trial under the Moi regime and praised Ibrahim’s steadfast belief in the rule of law.
Career Highlights
Justice Ibrahim was appointed to Kenya’s inaugural Supreme Court on June 16, 2011, after a competitive interview process. He served as the Supreme Court representative to the Judicial Service Commission, having been elected on May 17, 2022. He was also appointed as Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections in 2021.
He studied law at the University of Nairobi before entering private practice, joining Waruhiu & Muite Advocates in 1982. He was admitted to the Roll of Advocates on January 11, 1983, becoming the first member of the Kenyan Somali community to do so.
Throughout his legal career, Justice Ibrahim was dedicated to advancing the rights of minority groups, particularly the Somali community in Kenya. He took on pro bono work and championed social justice, even during difficult times, including his detention for supporting pro-democracy movements.
Justice Ibrahim’s career in the Judiciary spanned multiple positions, including serving as a Resident Judge at the High Courts in Eldoret and Mombasa, before his elevation to the Supreme Court. His contributions to Kenya’s legal landscape will remain a lasting legacy.
As Kenya mourns the loss of this distinguished judge, his life of service to the law, human dignity, and constitutionalism will continue to inspire future generations of lawyers and judges.
