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Post Reply: Sukyan Omar Hassan Appointed as Acting Chief Kadhi

<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on August 12, 2025, 5:00 am</div><div id="pl-7490"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-7490-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-7490-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-7490-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
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	<p dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Sukyan Omar Hassan as the Acting Chief Kadhi of the Republic of Kenya, effective immediately, following the passing of Chief Kadhi Sheikh Athman Abdulhalim Hussein on July 10, 2025. The announcement was made by Chief Justice Martha Koome, who chairs the JSC, during a press briefing in Nairobi on Thursday, July 17, 2025.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sukyan Omar Hassan, who has served as the Deputy Chief Kadhi since 2019, steps into the role to ensure continuity in the leadership of Kenya’s Kadhi Courts. The appointment comes in response to the sudden vacancy created by Sheikh Abdulhalim’s death in Mombasa, where he was buried in the Kikowani area. Sheikh Abdulhalim, appointed as Chief Kadhi in July 2023, served for just one year before his passing, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to faith-based justice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The JSC’s decision to appoint Hassan as Acting Chief Kadhi aligns with its mandate to maintain seamless judicial operations within the Kadhi Courts, which are established under Article 170 of the Kenyan Constitution. These courts handle matters related to Muslim personal law, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and personal status, for individuals who profess the Islamic faith and submit to their jurisdiction. The Chief Kadhi’s role is pivotal, overseeing the administration of these courts, translating Arabic documents, managing court registries, and collaborating with magistrates to maintain official records of family-related rulings.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Hassan’s appointment has been met with widespread approval from the Muslim community and judicial stakeholders, who view her as a capable leader with extensive experience in Islamic law. She holds a degree in Islamic Law and has been a member of recognized Islamic associations, meeting the constitutional requirements for the position. Her tenure as Deputy Chief Kadhi has equipped her with the expertise to navigate the complexities of the role, particularly during this transitional period.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Chief Justice Koome emphasized that the JSC is committed to ensuring the Kadhi Courts continue to deliver justice efficiently. “The appointment of Hon. Sukyan Omar Hassan as Acting Chief Kadhi ensures that the Judiciary remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and providing access to justice for all Kenyans,” Koome stated during the briefing. She also extended condolences to the family of Sheikh Abdulhalim, describing him as a unifying figure who served with humility and integrity.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The JSC has indicated that the process to appoint a permanent Chief Kadhi will commence soon, with a call for applications expected in the coming weeks. The recruitment will follow the commission’s revised policy, which equates the Chief Kadhi position to that of a chief magistrate. Candidates must possess a degree in Islamic Law, profess the Islamic faith, have no pending complaints with the Complaints Commission or employers, and demonstrate good conduct in line with Islamic principles and Chapter Six of the Constitution. The position is permanent and pensionable, offering benefits such as housing, commuting allowances, medical insurance, and leave.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Hassan’s appointment comes at a time when the Kadhi Courts face calls for broader representation in leadership. Critics of past appointments have urged the JSC to consult widely with Muslim communities across Kenya to ensure inclusivity and break the tradition of selecting leaders from specific regions. The commission has acknowledged these concerns and pledged to conduct a transparent and merit-based process for the permanent appointment.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sheikh Abdulhalim’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the Muslim community, judicial officers, and the public. Chief Justice Koome noted that his leadership strengthened the Kadhi Courts’ role in Kenya’s multi-faith society. As Acting Chief Kadhi, Hassan is expected to build on this legacy while addressing emerging challenges, including calls for reforms in the administration of Islamic family law.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Kadhi Courts, with 65 Kadhis spread across the country and a Deputy Chief Kadhi based in Nairobi, remain a cornerstone of Kenya’s judicial system, serving the Muslim community’s unique legal needs. Hassan’s leadership will be critical in maintaining public confidence in these courts during this interim period.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The JSC has called on Kenyans to support the Acting Chief Kadhi as she takes on her new responsibilities. The commission also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who have contributed to the smooth operation of the Kadhi Courts and urged continued collaboration to uphold justice and equity.</p>
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