President William Ruto on Wednesday joined Kenyans in mourning Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim, who died at a Nairobi hospital after a prolonged illness.
The veteran jurist, 69, had recently returned to Kenya after receiving medical care abroad.
In a statement, President Ruto described Justice Ibrahim as a “principled jurist, a passionate defender of human rights, and a steadfast champion of multi-party democracy.”
He also praised him for being the first member of his community admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, saying he “blazed a historic trail, breaking barriers and inspiring generations to pursue justice, public service, and equality under the law.”
The President added that Justice Ibrahim’s legacy would be remembered for his “integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law,” extending condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the wider legal fraternity.
“On my own behalf, and on behalf of all Kenyans, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. May they find comfort in his enduring legacy and the profound impact of a life devoted to justice and the rule of law,” Ruto said.
Justice Ibrahim was appointed to the Supreme Court in June 2011, shortly after the 2010 Constitution came into effect. During his decade-long tenure, he became known for his work in constitutional law, minority rights, and public interest litigation.
Chief Justice Martha Koome and the Law Society of Kenya joined the President in paying tribute, describing him as a jurist of “exceptional integrity” and a guardian of constitutional values.
Justice Ibrahim is survived by his wife and four children.