Gitobu Imanyara mourns Justice Ibrahim, recounts shared detention under KANU regime
By Faith Lagat, December 18, 2025Former Central Imenti Member of Parliament (MP) Gitobu Imanyara has paid tribute to late Supreme Court Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, recalling their shared experience of detention without trial during the repressive era of former President Daniel arap Moi.
The veteran human rights lawyer and former political detainee described Justice Ibrahim as a principled jurist whose life and career were defined by courage, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
In a statement posted on X on December 18, 2025, Imanyara wrote, “I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Mohamed Khadhar Ibrahim, Justice of the Supreme Court of Kenya. Kenya has lost a principled jurist whose life was marked by courage, restraint, and an abiding commitment to justice and constitutionalism.”
He reflected on their shared ordeal, adding that those difficult days revealed his quiet strength, moral clarity, and steadfast belief in the rule of law.
“Justice Ibrahim and I shared the painful experience of detention without trial under the Moi regime, united by a refusal to abandon conscience in the face of repression. Those difficult days revealed his quiet strength, moral clarity, and steadfast belief in the rule of law even when the law had been turned against its own people,” he said.
Reflections from detention to the bench
Imanyara noted that Justice Ibrahim’s judicial service reflected the same values he demonstrated during the years of political repression.
“His service on the Bench was a continuation of that struggle by judicial means: thoughtful, disciplined, and grounded in integrity. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the people of Kenya. His legacy as a patriot and judge will endure,” he added.
Tributes from the judiciary
Chief Justice Martha Koome announced the death with profound sorrow, describing Justice Ibrahim as a steadfast guardian of judicial independence and accountability.
“Justice Ibrahim was a steady and thoughtful voice in matters relating to judicial governance, appointments and discipline, and the overall strengthening of the Judiciary as an institution,” Koome said.
She added, “He firmly believed that judicial independence and accountability are complementary, not competing values, and consistently championed transparency, integrity, and fidelity to constitutional norms.”
Koome described him as “a collegial judge, a quiet mentor, and a firm believer in principles over prominence,” noting that his life exemplified service to country and compassion for the voiceless.
Justice Ibrahim joined the judiciary in 2003 as a High Court judge and was elevated in 2011 to the Supreme Court as part of its inaugural bench under the 2010 Constitution.
The Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo termed him a jurist of “unparalleled grace and distinguished intellect”, saying his death was a major loss to Kenya’s justice system.