The race to succeed the late Sheikh AbdulHalim Hussein as Kenya’s next Chief Kadhi has reached a crucial stage after the Judicial Service Commission unveiled nine shortlisted candidates for one of the country’s most influential Islamic judicial offices.
The successful candidate will become the head of Kenya’s Kadhi Courts, which handle matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance and personal status among Muslims.
JSC has scheduled interviews for the shortlisted candidates on November 2 and November 3, 2026, at its offices at CBK Pension Towers, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi.
Nine Candidates in Race for Chief Kadhi Position
Hon. Hassan Omar Daffa
Hon. Hassan Omar Daffa, currently serving as Principal Kadhi, is among the nine candidates shortlisted by the Judicial Service Commission for the position of Chief Kadhi.
He is one of the most experienced candidates in the race, having served within the Kadhi Court system and other legal and academic institutions.
Academically, Daffa holds a Master’s Degree in Source Methodology in Islamic Jurisprudence from Umm Al-Qura University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia obtained in 2010.
He also earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Mount Kenya University in 2014 and a Bachelor of Shariah Islamic Studies from Umm Al-Qura University in 2004.
In addition, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and a Diploma in Arabic Language from the Institute of Teaching Arabic Language to Speakers of Other Languages at Umm Al-Qura University.
Since 2025, he has served as Principal Kadhi. Between 2023 and 2026, he held the position of Vice Secretary General of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association. Prior to that, he served as Senior Resident Kadhi and Resident Kadhi between 2015 and 2025. He also worked as Sharia Audit Manager at First Community Bank between 2012 and 2015 and served as a part-time lecturer at UMMA University from 2011 to 2018.
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His professional affiliations include certification by KASNEB and membership in the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association.
Mohamed Juma Mwaduga
Mohamed Juma Mwaduga is a teacher at Mahad Banat Tarbawiyu and is among the candidates shortlisted for the position of Chief Kadhi.
He holds a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies from Kampala University (2013), a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Sharia from the International University of Africa (2009) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Kampala University (2011).
His work experience includes serving as a teacher at Mahad Banat Tarbawiyu from 2019 to date, Manager at Al Furqan Institute between 2018 and 2019, Academic Registrar at the College of Islamic Studies between 2017 and 2018, Lecturer at Umma University between 2015 and 2018, and Lecturer and Dean of Students at Qubaa Institute between 2014 and 2015.
Dr. Abuu Mohamed Mwalimu
Dr. Abuu Mohamed Mwalimu is a Lecturer at the Islamic University of Kenya and is among the candidates seeking appointment as Chief Kadhi.
He holds a Doctorate Degree in Comparative Islamic Jurisprudence from the University of Sinnar (2015), a Master’s Degree in Comparative Islamic Jurisprudence from the College of Sharia and Law, Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan (2010), a Bachelor of Arts in Shariah and Islamic Studies from the International University of Africa (1998) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Kenyatta University (2008).
His work experience includes serving as a Lecturer at the Islamic University of Kenya from 2020 to date, Part-Time Lecturer at Umma University between 2015 and 2025, Lecturer at Al-Munawarah College between 2015 and 2025, Lecturer at Raf International University, Mombasa between 2015 and 2019, Lecturer at the College of Islamic Studies, Mombasa between 2011 and 2019, Part-Time Lecturer at Pwani University between 2010 and 2011, Director of Aisha Center, Mombasa between 2006 and 2012, and Lecturer at Kisani Islamic Institute, Mombasa between 1999 and 2005.
He is a member of the Law Students Association at the International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan.
Hon. Sukyan Hassan Omar
Sukyan Hassan Omar is the Acting Chief Kadhi and is among the candidates shortlisted for the position of Chief Kadhi.
He holds a Master of Law in Democracy, Governance and Law from the University of Nairobi (2015), a Master of Shariah and Law from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan (2002), a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies and LLB Shariah and Law from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan (2001), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (ATP) from the Kenya School of Law (2011).
His work experience includes serving as Acting Chief Kadhi from 2025 to date, Deputy Chief Kadhi from 2016 to date, and Principal Kadhi, Senior Kadhi and Kadhi II between 2004 and 2016.
He is a member of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Muslims Charitable Society (KMCS).
Dr. Hassan Kinyua Omari
Hassan Kinyua Omari is a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi and is among the candidates shortlisted for the position of Chief Kadhi.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy Religious Studies from the University of Nairobi (2014), a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Nairobi (2010), a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi (2020), a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Language and Religious Studies from the University of Nairobi (2007), a Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Banking and Insurance from the Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance (2013), a Diploma in Islamic Sharia from the Kenya Institute of Foreign Languages and Professional Studies (2009) and a Diploma in Arabic Language from WAMY Vocational College (2002).
His work experience includes serving as a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi from 2013 to date, Tutor of Arabic Language Skills at the United Nations from 2003 to date, Radio Presenter (Islamic Programme) at Radio Maisha between 2013 and 2014, Part-Time Lecturer at Machakos University, St. Paul’s University, Kenyatta University, Adventist University, Tangaza University and Mount Kenya University between 2009 and 2019, and Lecturer and Supervisor of Military Staff at the Department of Defence Headquarters, Nairobi between 2007 and 2008.
He is Chairperson of the Muslim Professionals League Africa, a member of the Kenya Council of Muslim Chaplains, a Certified Professional Mediator with the Mediation Institute, and is associated with the Peace Units Programme Kenya and the Majlis Ujamaa Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims.
Hon. Abdiaziz Maalim Mohamed
Abdiaziz Maalim Mohamed is a Senior Principal Kadhi and is among the candidates shortlisted for the office of Chief Kadhi.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Sharia and Law) from the International Islamic University (2010).
His work experience includes serving as Senior Principal Kadhi from 2025 to date, Principal Kadhi from 2020 to 2025, Senior Resident Kadhi from 2017 to 2020, and Kadhi II from 2012 to 2017.
He is a Certified Professional Mediator with Jesilo Consultancy.
Hon. Mohamed Abdalla Kutwaa
Mohamed Abdalla Kutwaa is a Senior Principal Kadhi and is among the candidates shortlisted for the position of Chief Kadhi.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Shariah from the Islamic University of Uganda (2004).
His work experience includes serving as Senior Principal Kadhi from 2020 to date and as Principal Kadhi, Senior Resident Kadhi and Kadhi II between 2007 and 2020.
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He is a Certified Professional Mediator trained by the Mediation Training Institute.
Hon. Mohamed Garama Randu
Mohamed Garama Randu is a Principal Kadhi and is among the candidates shortlisted for the office of Chief Kadhi.
Randu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Sharia from the International University of Africa (2010) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Mount Kenya University (2017).
His work experience includes serving as Principal Kadhi from 2025 to date and Senior Resident Kadhi between 2015 and 2025.
He is a Certified Professional Mediator accredited by the Mediation Institute.
Hon. Juma Ali Abdalla
Juma Ali Abdalla is a Senior Principal Kadhi and is among the candidates shortlisted for the position of Chief Kadhi.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Sharia Law from the International University of Africa, Sudan (2008).
His work experience includes serving as Senior Principal Kadhi from 2011 to date; Head Teacher at Pwani Islamic Centre from 2008 to 2011; Head Teacher at Furqaan Muslim School from 2003 to 2004; and Madrassa Teacher at Rahma Muslim School from 1997 to 1998.
Abdalla is a Certified Professional Mediator trained by the Mediation Training School.
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