Muslim leaders in North Rift mourn Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein, call for unity and judicial reform
“Whoever is going to be appointed to fill the gap should study the history of Hussein before he leads the Muslim religion and ensure that there is unity among all the Muslims.”
Kenya’s Chief Kadhi Sheikh Athman AbdulHalim Hussein. Photo/Nairobi Monthky Law.
By Juliet Jerotich
The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) in Uasin Gishu has extended its condolences to the family of Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein, who passed away Tuesday night after serving the Muslim community for less than two years.
Led by Abubhakar Bini, regional chairman of CIPK, Muslim clerics in the Rift Valley praised Hussein’s leadership and efforts in fostering harmony. “He did a commendable job in bringing cohesion among Muslims,” Bini said. “Whoever is going to be appointed to fill the gap should study the history of Hussein before he leads the Muslim religion and ensure that there is unity among all the Muslims.”
Bini also highlighted institutional shortcomings in Kenya’s Islamic judiciary, stressing the need for reform. “Tifkazi’s court—the Kadhis Court—is constitutional. But it has shortcomings,” he said. “When a Muslim has a complaint and wins a case at a lower level, there is no Kadhis Court of Appeal. On issues like bail or other judicial matters, there is no appeal structure within the Kadhis Court system.”
He emphasized that Hussein’s vision of uniting Muslims was a long-term goal. “He didn’t finish his mission because this challenge has existed for generations,” Bini said. “But the job he did was admirable. The best way to honor him is for the community to stay united.”
Mahamud Kiplagat, a Muslim leader based in Eldoret, assured the community of a smooth transition. “We are working with our members to offer our support as we transition in this position,” Kiplagat said. “We say Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return). May God help us in the work we are doing.”
Abdulaziz Muhammad urged Muslims to continue embracing unity, one of Hussein’s guiding values. “This is what Islam teaches us. This is what the Qur’an teaches us—that Islam should be united. In Islam, there is no tribalism or division. There is only one God, and Islam is one. Without unity, there is no Islam,” he said.
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