The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Senior Principal Kadhi Sukyan Omar Hassan as the acting Chief Kadhi, effective August 6, 2025.
The decision comes less than a month after the passing of Chief Kadhi Sheikh Athman Abdul-Halim, who died on July 10, 2025.
In a memo dated August 6, Judiciary Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya said the commission made the appointment under Article 170 of the Constitution and Section 2 of the Kadhis’ Court Act.
Omar will perform all duties and responsibilities of the Chief Kadhi for three months or until the position is permanently filled, whichever comes first.
“The acting appointment is for a period of three months or until the position is substantially filled, whichever comes earlier,” the memo stated.
The Chief Registrar instructed all judicial officers and staff to take note of the leadership change, which ensures continuity in the Kadhis’ Court during the transition.
Sheikh Athman was appointed as Chief Kadhi in July 2023, chosen from a shortlist of five candidates. He succeeded Sheikh Ahmed Mudhar, who retired at the age of 60 after 12 years in the role.
The Chief Kadhi serves as the head of Kenya’s Kadhis’ Courts, which handle Islamic personal law matters including marriage, divorce, and inheritance. These courts operate under Article 170 of the Constitution and only hear cases where all parties are Muslim and voluntarily submit to their jurisdiction.
Kenya currently has 14 stand-alone Kadhis’ Courts, with the rest integrated into Magistrates’ Courts across the country.
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