Supreme Court Judge Mohamed Ibrahim dies

By Newsflash Reporter

Supreme Court Judge Mohamed Ibrahim has passed on.

Family sources told Newsflash that the judge, who had been ailing for quite some time, died earlier today, Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

He was 69 years old, having been born on January 1, 1956.

His death marks the end of a long and distinguished judicial career that spanned more than two decades in Kenya’s courts and legal institutions.

Justice Ibrahim was widely respected for his quiet firmness on the Bench, his deep understanding of constitutional law, and his commitment to judicial integrity. Colleagues and members of the legal fraternity described him as a principled jurist whose contribution to the growth of Kenya’s constitutional order will endure beyond his lifetime.

Long judicial career

Ibrahim was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya in June 2011, becoming part of the inaugural team of judges at the country’s highest court following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. His appointment placed him at the centre of some of the most consequential constitutional and electoral disputes in the country’s recent history.

Before his elevation to the Supreme Court, Ibrahim served as a Judge of the High Court of Kenya between May 2003 and May 2011.

During this period, he handled a wide range of cases, earning a reputation for well-reasoned judgments and a calm, measured approach to justice.

In addition to his judicial duties, Ibrahim played a key role in the administration of the Judiciary. He served as the Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections and was involved in shaping internal policies aimed at strengthening judicial processes and accountability.

Service beyond the Bench

On June 2, 2022, he was appointed a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) pursuant to Article 171(2)(b) of the Constitution. Within the commission, he chaired the Learning and Development Committee and served as a member of the Finance, Planning and Administration Committee, as well as the Committee on the Administration of Justice.

Justice Ibrahim was also a trailblazer. He became the first member of the Kenyan-Somali community to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya on January 11, 1983.

Earlier in his career, he worked with Kituo Cha Sheria and served on the Board of the Legal Education and Aid Programme (LEAD). He was also a founding trustee of the human rights organisation Mwangaza Trust, a role he held until 1994.

He held a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.

Details of funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.