Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has paid tribute to Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Khadhar Ibrahim, describing him as “an honest, inquisitive and wise judge” whose legacy will be remembered across Kenya’s legal fraternity.
In a statement shared on Thursday, Havi said Judge Ibrahim was a “rare breed” who showed the courage and humility to admit errors, quoting him: “sorry I made a mistake, I hereby review my ruling.”
He added that the late jurist leaves an “indelible mark at the Bar and on the Bench,” extending his condolences to the family and the nation.
Judge Ibrahim passed away on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the age of 69, after a prolonged illness.
He had been receiving treatment both locally and abroad, including in India, before returning home to Kenya. His death came just weeks before his scheduled retirement on 1 January 2026.
Born in 1956, Judge Ibrahim was the first Kenyan Somali admitted as an Advocate of the High Court in 1982.
He was renowned for defending human rights, minority communities, and pro-democracy activists during politically tense periods.
Elevated to the Supreme Court in 2011, he played a key role in shaping constitutional jurisprudence in Kenya.
His passing has drawn tributes from the Judiciary, civil society, and political leaders, who hailed him as a principled guardian of justice.