The Judiciary confirmed that the judge died at around 4:30 pm after a prolonged illness. He had recently returned from India, where he had been undergoing specialised medical care.
Justice Ibrahim was 69 years old at the time of his death.
Justice Ibrahim has served as a judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya since June 2011, making him one of the longest-serving members of the apex court.
During his tenure, he sat on several landmark cases that shaped Kenya’s constitutional democracy.
Notably, he was part of the judicial bench that heard and determined the highly contested presidential election petitions of 2013 and 2022, cases that tested the strength and independence of the Judiciary.
Colleagues and legal practitioners describe him as calm, thoughtful, and deeply committed to justice.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo paid glowing tribute to the late judge, describing him as an inspiration to many in the legal profession.
She praised his humility, intellectual depth, and composed nature, noting that he understood judicial power as a duty to serve the public fairly and uphold social order.
According to LSK, Justice Ibrahim’s death is a major loss not only to the Supreme Court but also to the entire justice system in Kenya.
Justice Ibrahim made history by becoming the first Kenyan from the Somali community to be admitted to the Bar, a milestone that opened doors for greater diversity in the legal profession.
He studied law at the University of Nairobi before joining private legal practice in November 1982. He was officially admitted to the Roll of Advocates on January 11, 1983.
In 1994, he founded Mohammed Ibrahim & Associates, which later expanded into Ibrahim & Isaack Advocates in 1997, becoming one of the respected law firms in the country.
Beyond his role as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Ibrahim held several key leadership positions.
At the time of his death, he was the Supreme Court’s representative to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), a position he had held since May 2022.
He also served as the Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections, following his appointment by the Chief Justice in August 2021. In this role, he played a critical part in strengthening electoral dispute resolution in Kenya.
Justice Ibrahim was scheduled to officially retire on January 1, 2026, upon attaining the constitutional retirement age of 70. His death comes just weeks before the end of a long and impactful judicial career.
As Kenyans reflect on his legacy, Justice Mohammed Khadhar Ibrahim will be remembered as a principled judge, a trailblazer, and a dedicated servant of justice whose influence will be felt for generations.
The Judiciary is expected to announce funeral arrangements and further details in the coming days.
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