North Rift Imams Urge Government to Address Shortage of Kadhis in Kenya
By Wasike Elvis Imams from the North Rift region, led by Sheikh Hussein Mohammed of the Eldoret Jamia Mosque and Sheikh Abubakar Bini, Chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) North Rift, have made an urgent appeal to the government and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to address the growing shortage of Kadhis in the country. The imams voiced their concerns during the burial of Sheikh Abdulaziz Tito Kunyuk, the Kadhi of the Nakuru Court, who passed away after a prolonged illness.Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Abubakar Bini highlighted the critical issue of understaffing within the Kadhis’ courts, where a single Kadhi is often tasked with serving more than five counties. “There was a plan by the government to hire at least 15 new Kadhis, but unfortunately, that plan has since been shelved,” said Sheikh Bini. “As many Kadhis retire or, as in the case of our brother Tito, pass on, the gap in service delivery grows. This is an unsustainable situation, and immediate action is required.”Sheikh Hussein Mohammed echoed his colleague’s concerns, stressing that the shortage of Kadhis undermines the ability of courts to deliver timely justice to Muslim communities. “The Kadhis’ courts are integral to ensuring justice for our Muslim brothers and sisters. The delay in filling these positions has caused undue strain on the courts and hindered their efficiency. The JSC must expedite the recruitment process,” said Sheikh Mohammed.The imams were joined by Turkana North Member of Parliament, Paul Ekwom Nabuin, who pledged to raise the issue in the National Assembly. Nabuin, a member of the Muslim community, assured the religious leaders that their concerns would not be ignored. “The call by our imams is both legitimate and urgent. I will advocate for the Judicial Service Commission to prioritize the recruitment of more Kadhis. This will help speed up cases affecting Muslims in Kadhis’ courts and ensure justice is accessible to all,” he said.The burial ceremony, which brought together leaders, religious scholars, and members of the community, served as a poignant reminder of the vital role that Kadhis play in resolving disputes within the Muslim community. Sheikh Tito, who had served as the Kadhi of the Nakuru Court, was remembered for his dedication to justice and fairness.In a message of condolence from the Chief Justice, delivered by the Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein, the judiciary extended its sympathy to the family and the Muslim community. The Chief Kadhi praised Sheikh Tito’s legacy, saying, “His commitment to justice and fairness will remain a guiding light for all of us in the judiciary.”The imams reiterated their call for the JSC and the government to address the shortage of Kadhis urgently. Sheikh Bini emphasized, “We are not asking for anything extraordinary; we are simply asking for what is fair and necessary. Justice delayed is justice denied, and our communities are bearing the brunt of this shortage.”The leaders concluded by stating that the recruitment of more Kadhis would ease the burden on existing courts and ensure that justice is delivered promptly, strengthening the trust of Muslim communities in the judicial system. Read More
