Justice Mrima Calls for East African Chief Kadhi Association to Tackle Emerging Issues

By Raymond Mwakwaya & George Otieno

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Justice Anthony Mrima, a judicial service commissioner (JSC), has proposed the formation of an East African association of chief kadhis.

According to him the association will comprise chief kadhis from the seven countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Rwanda.

The High Court judge stressed that the association would focus on promoting inter-religious unity among the countries and addressing emerging social, political, economical and religious issues.

“An association or a unit would help bring our nations even closer. Many professionals have associations, and it would be prudent for our chief kadhis to have one too,” he stated. 

The judge, made these remarks during a courtesy call to the family of the late Chief Kadhi Abulhakim Athman in Mombasa County. 

Athman passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2024, and buried on Friday, June 11 at Kikowani cemetery.

Mrima was accompanied by the Zanzibar Chief Kadhi, Hassan Ngwali Othman, who welcomed the proposal for the formation of the association.

Kadhi Othman also condoled with Kenya over the demise of the respected Chief Kadhi and scholar saying: “We condole with Kenya during this difficult moment and ask God to grant him eternal peace.”

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has promised to donate Ksh2 million to the family of the late Kadhi. 

According to the family spokesman, the President called the family to offer his condolences and made the donation pledge.

“I confirm that President Ruto called the family to say sorry. He also promised the family Ksh2 million,” he said. 

The family revealed that the donation will be used to support the education of the late Chief Kadhi’s three children, who are still in school.

“Our son left behind three children who are still schooling,” said one of the family members.

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