JSC appoints Athman Abdulhalim as the new chief kadhi
Chief Justice Martha Koome announced that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Athman Abdulhalim Hussein as the new Chief Kadhi of the Republic of Kenya.
The decision was made following interviews conducted with the five shortlisted candidates.
CJ Koome stated, “Following deliberations and careful consideration of the various candidates, JSC has appointed Athman Abdulhalim Hussein as the new Chief Kadhi of the Republic of Kenya.”
Athman Abdulhalim Hussein, the former Kadhi of the Nairobi region, will assume the prestigious role, previously held by Ahmed Muhdha.
The JSC had shortlisted Sukyan Hassan Omar, Idris Nyamagosa Nyaboga, Athman Abdulhalim Hussein, Kutwaa Mohamed Abdalla, and Omari Hassan Kinyua for the position, which had been advertised on 14 April 2023.
The Chief Kadhi position now holds the same status as that of a chief magistrate under the revised policy of the Judicial Service Commission scheme of service.
The permanent and pensionable position offers benefits such as housing and commuting allowances, medical insurance, and leave.
Critics of previous appointments have urged the JSC to ensure wider consultation with all Muslim groups in order to break the tradition of selecting individuals solely from one region.
They emphasize the importance of providing a fair chance to all Muslims across the country for the position of Chief Kadhi.
Established under Article 170 of the Constitution, the Kadhi Courts have jurisdiction limited to matters pertaining to Muslim law concerning personal status, marriage, divorce, or inheritance, where all parties involved profess the Islamic faith and submit to the court’s authority.