NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ibrahim Mohammed will be laid to rest today, December 18, 2025, at the Kariakor Muslim Cemetery in Nairobi.
In a statement, the Judiciary said funeral rites will begin at 1.40pm, as family, colleagues and national leaders gather to honour one of Kenya’s most respected jurists.
Justice Ibrahim passed away on Wednesday evening at 4:30pm in Nairobi. Sources close to the family said he had recently travelled to India for specialised treatment, but doctors later advised that he be brought back home, where he spent his final days.
The judge was due to proceed on terminal leave ahead of his mandatory retirement from the Supreme Court on January 1, 2026. He is survived by his wife and four children.
His death has drawn an outpouring of tributes from across Kenya’s public institutions, legal fraternity and political leadership.
President William Ruto described Justice Ibrahim as “a steadfast defender of constitutional order,” noting that he blazed a historic trail as the first member of the Kenyan Somali community to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
“He broke barriers and inspired generations to pursue justice, public service and equality under the law,” the President said.
Chief Justice Martha Koome mourned him as “a jurist of humility, intellect and unwavering commitment to justice,” adding that his legacy seamlessly bridged courageous advocacy and principled judging.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga praised Justice Ibrahim’s quiet courage and firm convictions, saying they helped steady the Judiciary during politically turbulent times.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), through its President Faith Odhiambo, described him as “a towering source of inspiration,” lauding his calm authority, independence of mind and deep contribution to Kenya’s jurisprudence.
Justice Ibrahim’s legal career spanned more than four decades. Admitted to the Bar in 1982, he practised with leading firms before establishing his own practice and becoming deeply involved in public interest litigation.
He worked closely with organisations such as Kituo cha Sheria, the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights and the Mwangaza Trust, and stood firmly with pro-democracy activists in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a High Court judge, was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011, and in 2022 was elected as the Supreme Court representative to the Judicial Service Commission.
Justice Ibrahim leaves behind a legacy of courage, inclusion and unwavering dedication to justice.
