Kenya mourns death of Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim, 54
By Reuben Mwambingu, July 11, 2025A cloud of grief hangs over Kenya’s Muslim community following the death of Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman, a revered Islamic scholar and judicial figure known for his humility, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to justice.
Sheikh Abdulhalim, 54, passed away at his home in Tudor, Mombasa on Thursday, his brother Sheikh Abubakar Athman confirmed. The nation is in mourning, with tributes pouring in from national leadership and religious circles. He is survived by his widow, two sons, and a daughter.
Great Islamic scholar
President William Ruto led the nation in eulogising the late cleric, describing him as “a great Islamic scholar who was committed to justice”.
He added: “Sheikh Abdulhalim devoted his life to the service of humanity and led the Muslim faithful with unwavering dedication, humility, and wisdom. He will be remembered as a towering figure in our religious landscape.”
Chief Justice Martha Koome described the late cleric as a man of exceptional integrity who served both the Judiciary and the nation with distinction.
“As Chief Kadhi, he championed justice, fairness and equity, particularly in matters of personal law within the Muslim community,” Justice Koome said, adding that his death was a blow to both the Judiciary and the entire country.
“We remember him as a deeply spiritual and principled leader who stood for peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity and harmony in society.”
Mining CS Hassan Joho mourned the late Chief Kadhi as “a beacon of hope and wisdom” whose contributions to Islamic jurisprudence reflected deep empathy and leadership.
“He was a guiding light in the lives of many, a unifying leader of great integrity. His presence touched countless lives and his absence leaves a deep void in our hearts,” Joho said.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir also paid tribute, saying: “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. Sheikh Abdulhalim served the Kenyan Ummah with great dedication in many ways. May Allah pardon him, multiply the reward of his good deeds and grant him the highest ranks in Paradise.”
Sheikh Abdulhalim was appointed Chief Kadhi in July 2023 by the Judicial Service Commission, succeeding Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired after 12 years at the helm. His appointment came after years of distinguished service in various regions including Mombasa, Kwale and Nairobi.
Family sources revealed that the cleric had been undergoing treatment in India for about 100 days before his death. Before travelling, he was under the care of prominent Mombasa specialists including pulmonologist Dr Faraj Amir and gastroenterologist Dr Abdulaziz Mansur.
He was laid to rest Thursday evening at Kikowani Muslim Cemetery in Mombasa, after funeral prayers at Masjid Nuru, Bondeni, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Early life and education
Born in Malindi, Kilifi County, Sheikh Abdulhalim was raised in a deeply religious environment. His father, Ustadh Hussein Athman, was a well-known Islamic preacher and founder of a madrasa in Watamu. After losing his mother at a young age, he was raised by family friend Sheikh Abdulrazak Sheikh Al-Amoody and his wife Mama Khadija.
He attended Watamu Primary School and later Malindi High School, completing his A-Levels before joining Madrasatul Tawheed for Islamic studies. His academic excellence earned him a full scholarship to Al-Azhar University in Cairo, one of the world’s oldest Islamic institutions, where he graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Islamic law.
Upon returning to Kenya, he taught Islamic religious education and Kiswahili at Ronald Ngala Primary School.
In 2005, he was appointed a Kadhi in Mombasa and later served in Kwale and Nairobi before rising to become the country’s top Islamic judicial officer.
“His journey has shown us that with humility and dedication, anything is possible. He was a pillar of strength, a confidant, and a friend to many,” said Khateeb Mohamed, a family member.