Kadhi Court and Appointment of Kadhi in Kenya Colony

Prior to 1895 when European legal institutions became dominant among Muslim communities in Kenya, ulama were prominent men of religion whose authority depended as much on their religious standing and moral authority. Ulama played significant socio-political and religious roles. However, colonial rule introduced structured justice and a court system that changed the way ulama operated. Their authority now rested on their legal expertise, colonial patronage and prestige of office. This inter play is discussed through a review of the appointment of Sharif Umar b. Abd Allah al Mahdaly to be Kadhi of Mumias in western Kenya during the Colonial Era.