By Urban Shihemi & Abucheri Mbarak, August 11,2025 The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Sheikh Sukyan Omar Hassan as the Acting Chief Kadhi. Sheikh Sukyan Omar Hassan, Senior Principal Kadhi has been appointed to act in the position of Chief Kadhi for a period of three months effective from August 6, 2025. According to the letter by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya, dated August 6, 2025, copied to Chief Justice and president of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice and Vice President of the Supreme Court of Kenya Justice Philomena Mwilu and Dr Elizabeth Kalei, Director of Human Resource Management, Development and Administration at the Judiciary, Sheikh Sukyan will discharge all the duties and responsibilities of the chief Kadhi during the period. ‘’Hon Sukyan Omar will discharge all the duties and responsibilities of the chief Kadhi during the acting period. The acting appointment is for a period of three (3) months or until the position is substantially filed, whichever comes earlier. Please be advised accordingly,’’ read the letter sent to Judges, Judicial officers, Registrars, Directors, Head of departments and Judicial Staff members. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) at its meeting held on 14th July,2025 and in accordance with Article 170 of the constitution and section 2 of the Kadhis Court Act, considered and approved the appointment of a serving Kadhi to act in the position of Chief Kadhi. The position of Chief Kadhi fell vacant following the demise of Sheikh Abdulhalim Athman Hussein on 10th July, 2025. Sheikh Abdulhalim was appointed as Kenya’s Chief Kadhi in July 2023 after a recruitment process led by the Judicial Service Commission.During late Athman’s tenure, Sukyan served as Deputy Chief Kadhi. Sheikh Sukyan will be responsible for handling family matters among Muslims related to inheritance, divorce, and marriage.