Acting Chief Kadhi Sukhyan Omar Hassan on Tuesday said he is prepared to serve Muslims in the crucial docket, calling for unity and support in discharging his duties.
He will serve in the position until a substantive Chief Kadhi is appointed through a transparent recruitment and interview process by the JSC.
The process of appointing a Chief Kadhi is stipulated in Article 170 of the Constitution of Kenya and the Kadhis’ Courts Act. Among the key requirements are a degree in Islamic law and at least 15 years’ experience as a distinguished academic or practitioner in Islamic law, or in other related fields.
“I have received a lot of congratulatory messages since my appointment as Acting Chief Kadhi and I thank all those who believe in my leadership. We should be united and forge a strong working relationship because that is how we shall overcome challenges and resolve issues in our society,” he said.
“There is no doubt I am fit for this position, given that I have served as a Kadhi for the last 21 years. I have the capacity and the authority to address matters pertaining to this great office,” he added in an interview with the Nation.
The renowned cleric has expressed interest in holding the position substantively, saying that although the decision rests with the JSC, he believes he is best suited to continue serving.
“I promise Muslims that I will collaborate with political, opinion, and religious leaders in my work for the unity of the Muslim community,” he said.
This is not the first time Sheikh Omar has served as Acting Chief Kadhi. He previously held the role when former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar retired in 2022, before Sheikh Abdulhalim took over in July 2023.
Sheikh Muhdhar had led the Muslim community for 12 years before retiring at the mandatory age of 60, as stipulated by the 2010 Constitution.
“I believe I am ripe for the job, even though I know the appointment must go through the judicial process. I have now served twice as Deputy Chief Kadhi and understand fully what this office entails and what is expected of me,” he said.
He acknowledged that there is some political opposition to his appointment but stressed that the matter rests with the JSC.
“The appointing authority rests with the JSC and we should respect it. As Muslims, we should be proud of one another instead of engaging in fights and divisive talk. I have the experience and qualities needed for this job,” he said.
If Sheikh Omar is eventually elevated to the position after the three-month acting period and the upcoming recruitment, he will become the seventh Chief Kadhi since independence.
The first Chief Kadhi was Abdalla Kassim from Mazrui, Mombasa, succeeded by Swaleh Abdalla from Zanzibar. The longest-serving was Nassor Nahdy from the Nahdy family in Mombasa, followed by Hammad Kassim from Mazrui, then Muhdhar, and finally Abdulhalim, all from Malindi.
There have been growing calls for the new Chief Kadhi to come from Northern Kenya or other parts of the country, as all previous holders of the office have hailed from the Coast region.
Sheikh Omar who comes from Northern Kenya, has previously supported the idea of the next chief kadhi hailing from outside the Coast region.
