The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Principal Kadhi Hassan Omar Daffa as Kenya’s new Chief Kadhi, filling the position left vacant following the death of Sheikh Abdul Halim Hussein.
Daffa’s appointment places him at the head of the country’s Kadhis’ Courts, which handle disputes involving Muslim personal law, including marriage, divorce, inheritance and personal status.
Who Is Kenya’s New Chief Kadhi Hassan Omar Daffa?
Daffa previously served as a Principal Kadhi and has an academic background in Islamic jurisprudence and Sharia law.
He holds a Master’s degree in Source Methodology in Islamic Jurisprudence and a Bachelor’s degree in Sharia and Islamic Studies, both obtained from Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia.
His appointment follows the death of his predecessor, Sheikh Abdul Halim Hussein, which left the office vacant.
What the Chief Kadhi’s Appointment Means for Kenya’s Justice System
Chief Justice Martha Koome highlighted the constitutional importance of the Office of the Chief Kadhi following the appointment.
“The Office of the Chief Kadhi, established under Article 170(1) of the Constitution, occupies a unique and important place in Kenya’s justice system,” Koome said.
The Chief Kadhi oversees Kadhis’ Courts across the country. These courts determine questions of Muslim personal law involving marriage, divorce, inheritance and personal status, in accordance with the Constitution.
The office also carries responsibilities relating to the administration of justice, the rule of law and the protection of the rights and dignity of people seeking legal redress.
How JSC Selected the New Chief Kadhi
The appointment followed a competitive recruitment process initiated on January 16, 2026, when the Judicial Service Commission formally declared the position vacant.
The Commission received 14 applications from interested candidates. Nine applicants were subsequently shortlisted for consideration.
Interviews were conducted on November 2 and 3, 2026, before the Commission selected Daffa for the position.
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