Kenya has lost one of its most respected jurists, Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Ibrahim, who passed away on Wednesday, December 17, shortly after 4:30 pm. Following news of his death, leaders and colleagues across the country have paid heartfelt tributes, recalling his dedication to justice, the Constitution, and social equality.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Justice Ibrahim as a pillar of the legal profession and a champion for minority rights.
“I am saddened to learn of the demise of Hon. Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, after a long illness. Hon. Ibrahim was one of the inaugural judges of the Supreme Court of Kenya with a highly decorated career in the legal industry spanning over 34 years,” Wetang’ula said.
“He will be remembered for his active role in bringing social justice and fighting for minority groups to have equal rights, and often offered pro bono services. His loss is a monumental one for the legal industry and the Judiciary at large,” he added.
Central Organization of Trade Unions secretary general Francis Atwoli highlighted Justice Ibrahim’s contributions to workers’ rights and constitutional law.
“I have just learnt of the death of Justice Ibrahim Mohammed, who is a Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya. His 14 years at the Supreme Court have helped lay a strong jurisprudence on rights and constitutionalism, and as Kenyan workers, we have lost a man whose heart was after social justice. May God rest him in eternal peace!” Atwoli said.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka described the late judge as a patriot and a guardian of the Constitution. Kalonzo noted that Justice Ibrahim’s work in high-profile cases, including the 2017 presidential election petition, was guided by principle, fairness, and calm judgment.
“I recall his voice during the most consequential disputes our young democracy has faced. In the historic 2017 presidential petition, in matters of devolution, and in questions of judicial independence, Justice Ibrahim held firm when others wavered,” Kalonzo said.
He further praised Justice Ibrahim’s humility and dedication to mentoring younger lawyers and judges. “He served not for recognition, but because he believed Kenya could be better, fairer, and more just. Today, Kenya has lost a guardian of the Constitution and a patriot in the truest sense. His legacy lives on in the institutions he strengthened and the example he left,” Kalonzo added.
Leaders emphasized that Justice Ibrahim’s contributions went beyond the courtroom. His guidance in electoral governance, through roles such as Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections and initiator of the Court’s ad hoc Committee on Elections, helped ensure credibility, coordination, and fairness during Kenya’s sensitive election periods.
As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Justice Mohammed Ibrahim will be remembered not only for his judicial achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to fairness, mentorship, and the advancement of justice in Kenya.
