NORTH RIFT MUSLIM LEADERS WELCOME APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF KADHI, CALL FOR JUDICIAL REFORMS
Muslim leaders from the North Rift region, led by Sheikh Abubakar Bini, address the media in Eldoret, welcoming the appointment of Hassan Omar Daffa as the new Chief Kadhi and calling for reforms to strengthen Kadhi's Courts across the country.
By James Gitaka
Muslim leaders in Kenya’s North Rift region have welcomed the appointment of Hassan Omar Daffa as the new Chief Kadhi, following the death of former Chief Kadhi, Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman who passed away on July 10, 2025.
Speaking in Eldoret, the leaders said Daffa’s appointment presents an opportunity to strengthen the Kadhi’s Court system and improve access to justice for Muslims across the country.
Led by Sheikh Abubakar Bini, the leaders called on the new Chief Kadhi to prioritise the appointment of additional Kadhi’s Court judges to address the growing backlog of inheritance and divorce cases.
Sheikh Abubakar Bini said:
“We congratulate Hassan Omar Daffa on his appointment as Chief Kadhi. We urge him to prioritise the appointment of more Kadhi’s Court judges to help address the growing backlog of inheritance and divorce cases and ensure that Muslims receive timely justice.”
The leaders also challenged Daffa to champion the establishment of a dedicated Kadhi’s Court of Appeal, arguing that the current framework does not provide an adequate appellate mechanism for decisions made by Kadhi’s Courts.
Sheikh Abubakar Kisaka said:
“We want the new Chief Kadhi to push for the establishment of a Kadhi’s Court of Appeal. Muslims should have an opportunity to challenge decisions made by Kadhi’s Courts through an appropriate appellate mechanism.”
Osman kirui added:
“The growing number of cases before Kadhi’s Courts requires urgent attention. Additional judicial officers and stronger institutional support are necessary to improve service delivery and ensure that cases are determined without unnecessary delays.”
Before his appointment, Daffa served as a Senior Kadhi and as a judge of the High Court of Kenya.
His appointment comes amid calls from Muslim leaders for reforms to strengthen the capacity of Kadhi’s Courts, particularly in handling matters relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance and other issues governed by Muslim personal law.
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