Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ibrahim Mohammed will be laid to rest today, Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Kariakor Muslim Cemetery in Nairobi, following his death on Wednesday evening.
According to a statement issued by the Judiciary, funeral rites will begin at 1:40pm, with family, judicial officers, state leaders, and members of the legal fraternity expected to attend.
Justice Ibrahim passed away at 4:30pm on Wednesday evening in Nairobi after a prolonged illness. Sources close to the family revealed that the veteran jurist had been taken to India for specialized treatment. However, doctors later advised that he be returned to Kenya to spend his final days at home.
Judiciary Confirms Burial Arrangements
In its official communication, the Judiciary confirmed the burial arrangements and paid tribute to the late judge, describing him as a distinguished jurist whose contribution to Kenya’s constitutional development will endure for generations.
Justice Ibrahim was due to proceed on terminal leave ahead of his mandatory retirement on January 1, 2026, marking the end of a judicial career that spanned more than four decades in law and public service.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
Tributes Pour In from National Leaders
News of Justice Ibrahim’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Kenya’s political and legal landscape, underscoring his stature as one of the country’s most respected judicial minds.
President William Ruto described him as a principled defender of constitutionalism and a trailblazer whose life inspired many.
“He was 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,” President Ruto said.
Chief Justice Martha Koome mourned him as a jurist of rare humility and intellectual depth.
“Justice Ibrahim was a distinguished jurist whose legacy bridged courageous advocacy and principled judging. His life exemplified service to country and unwavering commitment to justice,” Koome said.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga described him as a colleague whose quiet courage and strong convictions helped strengthen Kenya’s judiciary during politically turbulent times.
Law Society of Kenya Pays Tribute
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), led by President Faith Odhiambo, described Justice Ibrahim as “a towering source of inspiration” within the legal profession.
Odhiambo said he served on the Bench with unparalleled grace and intellect, noting that his calm demeanor reflected a deep understanding of judicial authority and responsibility.
“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.
A Trailblazer in Kenyan Law
Justice Ibrahim was widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most distinguished legal minds. His career in law spanned over 40 years, marked by groundbreaking achievements and unwavering commitment to justice.
Admitted to the Bar in 1982, he became the first member of the Kenyan Somali community to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya — a historic milestone that opened doors and inspired countless young lawyers from marginalized communities.
Before joining the Bench, Justice Ibrahim practiced law with several reputable firms before establishing his own practice. He gained national recognition for his involvement in public interest litigation, human rights advocacy, and civic engagement during some of Kenya’s most difficult political periods.
Defender of Democracy and Human Rights
Justice Ibrahim was a vocal supporter of democracy and constitutional freedoms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, a time when many activists faced intimidation and persecution.
He worked closely with leading civil society organizations, including Kituo cha Sheria, the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, and as a founding trustee of the Mwangaza Trust. Through these platforms, he championed access to justice, inclusion, and the protection of fundamental rights for vulnerable and marginalized communities.
His colleagues recall him as a lawyer who consistently stood with pro-democracy activists and used the law as a tool to challenge injustice and authoritarianism.
Judicial Career and National Service
Justice Ibrahim joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a High Court judge, where he earned a reputation for well-reasoned judgments, integrity, and independence.
In June 2011, he was appointed to the Supreme Court, where he played a critical role in shaping Kenya’s post-2010 constitutional jurisprudence. His decisions were often praised for their clarity, balance, and deep respect for constitutional principles.
In 2022, he was elected as the Supreme Court representative to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), further cementing his influence on judicial governance and reform.
A Legacy That Endures
Beyond his legal achievements, Justice Ibrahim is remembered as a mentor, reformer, and unifying figure within the Judiciary. His life story — from humble beginnings to the apex court — remains a powerful symbol of resilience, inclusion, and service to the nation.
As Kenya lays him to rest today, tributes continue to pour in from across the country, with many describing him as a judge who embodied justice not only in law, but in character and conduct.