Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Ibrahim Mohammed, will be laid to rest today, December 18, 2025.
A statement issued by the Judiciary said the funeral will be held at Kariakor Muslim cemetery.
“The funeral rites will begin at 1.40pm,” the statement said.
Justice Ibrahim passed away on Wednesday evening, at 4:30pm, in Nairobi.
Sources close to the family said the he had been taken to India for treatment, but doctors advised that he be returned home to Kenya for his last days.
The judge was due to proceed on terminal leave ahead of his mandatory retirement on January 1, 2026.
He leaves behind a wife and four children.
News of his death prompted tributes from across the country’s public institutions.
President William Ruto described him as “a steadfast defender of constitutional order.”
“He blazed a historic trail as the first member of his community to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, breaking barriers and inspiring generations to pursue justice, public service and equality under the law,” he said.
Chief Justice Martha Koome called him “a jurist of humility, intellect and unwavering commitment to justice.”
Koome described him as a distinguished jurist whose legacy bridged courageous advocacy and principled judging, and whose life exemplified service to country.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga praised him as a colleague whose quiet courage and conviction strengthened Kenya’s judiciary during turbulent political seasons.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), led by President Faith Odhiambo, described Justice Ibrahim as “a towering source of inspiration to all who dared to dream.”
Odhiambo said he served on the bench with unparalleled grace and intellect, and his rare calmness reflected a man who fully understood the role of judicial authority.
“Justice Ibrahim stood out as an independent, astute voice of reason. His sound contributions to Kenya’s jurisprudence portrayed great wealth of knowledge, depth of character, and dedication to advancing the law. He will be dearly missed by all who experienced him,” she said.
Justice Ibrahim was a distinguished legal mind whose career spanned over four decades.
Before joining the Bench in June 2011, Justice Ibrahim had already distinguished himself as a trailblazing advocate, human rights defender, and public-spirited lawyer.
Admitted to the Bar in 1982, he was the first member of the Kenyan Somali community to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
He practised law with notable firms before establishing his own practice and was deeply engaged in public interest litigation and civic advocacy during some of Kenya’s most challenging political periods.
His work with organisations such as Kituo cha Sheria, the Lawyers Committeе for Human Rights, and as a founding trusteе of the Mwangaza Trust, reflected a lifelong commitment to access to justice, inclusion, and the defence of fundamental rights.
Justice Ibrahim stood firmly with pro-democracy activists during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a High Court judge.
In 2022, he was elected as the Supreme Court representative on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
by SHARON MWENDE
