The nation recently paused in solemn reflection to bid farewell to a towering figure in Kenya's religious landscape: Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman. His passing at the age of 55 has left a significant void, with leaders and faithful alike mourning the loss of a man described as a devoted servant of humanity and a steadfast guardian of Islamic Sharia. His burial, conducted in accordance with Islamic rites at the Saif Halwa Cemetery in Kikoani, Mombasa County, drew thousands, underscoring the profound respect he commanded across various sectors of society.
The outpouring of tributes from the highest echelons of Kenyan leadership highlighted the Chief Kadhi's far-reaching influence. President William Ruto led the country in mourning, eulogizing Sheikh Athman as a dedicated leader who committed his life to service. Similarly, Chief Justice Martha Koome lauded him as a man of unwavering dedication to the cause of justice, a testament to his integrity and commitment within the judicial framework. These national tributes underscore his pivotal role not just within the Muslim community, but as a figure of moral authority and guidance for the entire nation.
Religious leaders also spoke volumes about his character and contributions. Former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Mukdhar affectionately remembered him as a great scholar of the Islamic faith, noting his humble demeanour, soft-spoken nature, and his role as a pillar of leadership. This sentiment was echoed by countless Muslim clerics who collectively termed his death a "major loss" to the Muslim fraternity, acknowledging his steadfast leadership of the community.
The funeral proceedings themselves were a powerful demonstration of collective grief and respect. Thousands of mourners, a diverse congregation of Muslim leaders, prominent political figures including Mombasa Governor Abdul Samad Sharif Nasir, Health CS Adan Duale, Mining and Blue Economy CS Ali Hassan Joho, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, gathered at Masjid Noor in Bondeni, Mombasa County. The streets of Mombasa witnessed a large procession, a visual representation of the deep reverence felt for the departed Chief Kadhi, as his casket was carried to its final resting place.
