Supreme Court Judge Mohamed Ibrahim, 69, a revered figure in Kenya's legal landscape, passed away on Tuesday evening following a long illness. His demise marks a significant loss to the Supreme Court, the Judiciary, and the broader administration of justice in Kenya, prompting an outpouring of tributes from leaders and the legal fraternity.

Chief Justice Martha Koome eulogized Justice Ibrahim as a thoughtful and steady voice in matters of judicial governance, a team player who firmly believed in judicial independence and accountability. She noted his crucial contribution to reinforcing public confidence in the judiciary and safeguarding its constitutional mandate during periods of intense public and political scrutiny. Law Society President, Faith Odhiambo, remembered him as a towering pillar of inspiration, serving the bench with unparalleled grace and distinguished intellect. Odhiambo highlighted his rare calmness, which underscored his profound understanding of judicial authority as an opportunity to serve and the nuances of justice as a tool for maintaining social order.

The Judiciary, through a statement on its X platform, mourned his passing, recognizing his elevation in 2011 to the Supreme Court as a member of the inaugural bench. This role entrusted him with the historic responsibility of giving meaning and effect to Kenya's transformative 2010 Constitution. Veteran lawyer Gitobu Imanyara further described Justice Ibrahim as a principled jurist whose life was defined by courage, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to justice, asserting that his service on the Bench was a continuation of his struggle by judicial means: thoughtful, disciplined, and grounded in integrity.

Justice Ibrahim's distinguished career began in 2003 when he joined the Judiciary as a Judge of the High Court of Kenya, serving with distinction in various stations before his elevation. He was notably the first Kenyan Somali to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya on January 11, 1983. Prior to his judicial service, he practiced at Messrs Waruhiu & Muite Advocates, where he became a partner in 1985. At the time of his passing, Justice Ibrahim was due to proceed on terminal leave ahead of his mandatory retirement on January 1, 2026.

Beyond his formal roles, Justice Ibrahim was widely respected for his strong commitment to social justice and the protection of minority rights, both within and outside the courtroom. His career was profoundly shaped by his courage and principled service, rooted in his involvement in Kenya’s pro-democracy struggle. This commitment led to his detention without trial in July 1990 for opposing aspects of the then regime, enduring a month in solitary confinement at Kamiti Prison, accused of supporting pro-democracy activists. He held a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma from the Kenya School of Law, and his dedication to civil liberties and constitutionalism was further exemplified by his role as a founding trustee of the human rights organization Mwangaza Trust.