NAIROBI, Kenya – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has named Senior Principal Kadhi Sukyan Omar Hassan as the Acting Chief Kadhi, effective August 6, 2025.
His appointment comes less than a month after the death of Chief Kadhi Sheikh Athman Abdul-Halim on July 10, 2025, in Mombasa.
In a statement, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya said the decision was made at the JSC’s meeting on July 14, 2025, in accordance with Article 170 of the Constitution and Section 2 of the Kadhis’ Court Act.
“Omar will discharge all the duties and responsibilities of the Chief Kadhi during the acting period,” the JSC said.
Sukyan served as Deputy Chief Kadhi during Sheikh Abdul-Halim’s tenure and will hold the acting role for three months, or until the position is substantively filled, whichever comes first.
The late Abdul-Halim was appointed Chief Kadhi in July 2023 after a competitive recruitment process to replace Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired after 12 years in office.
The Chief Kadhi is a constitutional office reserved for Muslims who hold a degree in Islamic law, demonstrate good conduct under Islamic principles, belong to recognised Islamic associations, and meet the integrity requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The role involves presiding over Muslim family matters including marriage, divorce, and inheritance, as well as overseeing Kadhi court registries and translating Arabic legal documents.
Sheikh Abdul-Halim was the 11th Chief Kadhi in Kenya’s history.
