Abdulhalim Hussein appointed new Chief Kadhi

By Peter Ochieng

There is a new sheriff in town.

Athman Abdulhalim Hussein is the new Chief Kadhi. He was appointed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from a pool of various candidates.

"Following deliberations and careful consideration of various candidates, JSC has appointed Hon. Athman Abdulhalim Hussein as the new Chief Kadhi of the Republic of Kenya,” JSC statement reads.

He takes over from Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar who has retired after 12 years of service, upon attaining the mandatory 60 years retirement age.

Kadhis court is established under the constitution to determine questions of Muslim law relating to personal status, marriage, divorce or inheritance, in proceedings in which all the parties profess the Muslim religion.

However, nothing shall limit the jurisdiction of the High Court or of any subordinate court in any proceeding which comes before it.