Supreme Court Judge Mohamed Ibrahim Dies in Nairobi

Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Khadhar Ibrahim has died after a prolonged illness at the age of 69. 

He passed away on Wednesday evening at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, shortly after returning from India, where he had been receiving specialised treatment.

Justice Ibrahim, the first member of the Kenyan Somali community to be admitted to the Bar, had a distinguished career that spanned decades. 

After completing his law studies at the University of Nairobi, he practised law at Waruhiu & Muite Advocates and later founded his own firm, which became known as Ibrahim & Isaack Advocates. Early in his career, he was a vocal advocate for minority rights, particularly challenging discriminatory policies against Kenyan Somalis.

In 2003, Ibrahim was appointed to the High Court, where he served in various locations including Nairobi, Eldoret, and Mombasa. He later joined the Supreme Court in 2011, as part of its inaugural bench following the implementation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. 

His time on the Supreme Court saw him involved in some of the nation’s most high-profile cases, including presidential election petitions in 2013, 2017, and 2022. He was known for his independence of thought, issuing dissenting opinions on occasions, such as in the case of organisations advocating for LGBTQ rights, where he argued that such associations conflicted with Kenya’s penal code.

Beyond his judicial work, Ibrahim played a key role in electoral matters, serving as Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections. His work in this area helped bolster the judiciary’s credibility during sensitive electoral periods. He was also active in strengthening the cohesion of the judiciary, representing the Supreme Court at the Judicial Service Commission and engaging with various judicial associations and civil society groups.

Tributes have poured in from across Kenya’s legal profession. Chief Justice Martha Koome described Ibrahim as a steadfast guardian of constitutionalism, electoral justice, and human dignity. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, referred to him as a "towering source of inspiration."

Justice Ibrahim was set to retire in January 2026 upon reaching the age of 70.