Chief Kadhi Sheikh Athman Abdulhalim Hussein was laid to rest at the Self Halwa cemetery in Kikowani, Mvita Constituency, following an Islamic funeral ceremony that drew large crowds and brought parts of Mombasa to a standstill.
Muslim leaders, government officials, and hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their final respects to the late religious leader, who was widely remembered as a humble and unifying figure within the Muslim community. His burial took place after prayers at Masjid Noor in Bondeni, where worshippers filled the mosque and surrounding streets.
The somber procession caused a temporary halt to business activities in Bondeni and led to traffic congestion as mourners accompanied the casket to the cemetery.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, speaking at the burial, described the Chief Kadhi’s passing as a significant loss to the Muslim fraternity across Kenya.
“His death comes at a time the country deeply needed his wisdom and leadership,”
the governor said, praising Abdulhalim’s efforts to promote unity and tolerance among religious communities.
Also in attendance was East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Hassan Omar Hassan Sarai, who conveyed President William Ruto’s message of condolence. Representing the government at the ceremony, Sarai urged mourners to refrain from political discussions regarding the Chief Kadhi’s succession, emphasizing the need to honor his memory with respect and reflection.
“The deceased was a person of great humility and unwavering dedication to service,”
Sarai noted.
Jomvu MP Badi Twalib echoed similar sentiments, calling on the Muslim community to use the moment to come together in mourning.
“Let us honor him with the dignity he deserves and leave succession talks for another time,”
he said.
Mombasa businessman and community leader Mbarak Bashatur said the Chief Kadhi’s death was a profound loss not only for the local Muslim community but for scholars across the East African region.
“His passing has left many in the East African Community in shock and mourning,”
Bashatur said.
Sheikh Abdulhalim, originally from Lamu County, had served as Chief Kadhi for only two years. He is the first officeholder to die while in service.
Other dignitaries present at the funeral included Mvita MP Soud Machele and former Lamu Senator Abu Chiaba.
