Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Ibrahim has died, his family has confirmed.
Justice Ibrahim passed away on Wednesday evening at a hospital in Nairobi, marking the end of a distinguished legal career that spanned more than four decades and left a lasting imprint on Kenya’s judiciary.
His passing was confirmed by Chief Justice Martha Koome in a notice on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
“On behalf of the Judiciary, the Supreme Court of Kenya, the Judicial Service Commission, and on my own behalf, I convey, with profound sorrow, the news of the passing on of Hon. (Mr.) Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC),” Koome posted.
"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Judiciary and JSC during this moment of immense loss."
He was appointed a judge of the inaugural Supreme Court of Kenya on June 16, 2011, following an open and competitive recruitment process.
His appointment came at a historic moment, shortly after the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, when the apex court was being established to anchor constitutionalism, electoral justice and the rule of law in the country.
During his tenure at the Supreme Court, Justice Ibrahim played a key role in shaping the court’s jurisprudence, particularly on constitutional interpretation and electoral disputes.
He later took on additional responsibilities within the Judiciary, reflecting the confidence placed in his leadership and experience.
On August 16, 2021, Chief Justice Martha Koome appointed him Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections, a role that positioned him at the centre of judicial preparedness and oversight of election-related disputes.
In this capacity, he was involved in guiding the Judiciary’s institutional response to electoral processes, including coordination, training and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Justice Ibrahim’s influence within the judicial system was further cemented on May 17, 2022, when he was elected to represent the Supreme Court as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
As a JSC commissioner, he participated in key decisions affecting judicial administration, discipline and the recruitment of judges and magistrates.
Before joining the Bench, Justice Ibrahim built a solid foundation in legal practice. He studied law at the University of Nairobi and entered private practice in the early 1980s. In November 1982, he joined the firm of Messrs Waruhiu & Muite Advocates, one of the country’s leading law firms at the time. He was subsequently admitted to the Roll of Advocates on January 11, 1983.
Justice Ibrahim became the first Kenyan Somali to be admitted as an advocate, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater inclusion within the legal profession. Over the years, he was widely regarded as a trailblazer whose career inspired many from marginalised communities to pursue careers in law and public service.
Colleagues have previously described him as a thoughtful jurist with a deep commitment to justice, fairness and constitutional values. His death is a significant loss to the Judiciary, the legal fraternity and the nation at large.
Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family.
