Kihara, Kenya’s former Attorney General and a retired Court of Appeal president, has died at the age of 72.
Paul Kihara Kariuki’s death was announced by Chief Justice Martha Koome, who described him as a respected jurist and public servant whose career left a lasting mark on Kenya’s legal institutions.
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Kihara served as Attorney General
Kariuki served as Attorney General from 2018 to 2022 under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He took over the role after the resignation of Githu Muigai and became the government’s principal legal adviser during a period marked by several major constitutional and political cases.
Before joining the Office of the Attorney General, he had built a long career within the Judiciary.
Long career in the Judiciary
Kariuki joined the High Court in 2003 after being appointed by former President Mwai Kibaki.
He later served at the Court of Appeal and was appointed President of the court in 2013, a position he held until 2018.
He was also the founding Director of the Judicial Training Institute, which later evolved into the Kenya Judiciary Academy.
During his time in the Judiciary, he was involved in reforms aimed at improving judicial training, court administration and access to justice.
Legal career began in private practice
Kariuki studied law at the University of Nairobi and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1977.
He began his career at Hamilton, Harrison and Mathews Advocates before becoming a partner at the firm.
He later helped establish Ndungu Njoroge and Kwach Advocates, where he practiced until 2000.
He also served as Director of the Kenya School of Law before joining the bench.
Tributes follow Kihara’s death
Chief Justice Koome said the Judiciary was mourning a leader whose contribution extended beyond individual court decisions.
She highlighted his role in strengthening legal institutions and developing generations of judicial officers and lawyers.
President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta have also paid tribute to the former Attorney General, praising his service to the country and his contribution to Kenya’s justice system.
Kariuki leaves behind a career spanning private legal practice, judicial leadership and service at the highest levels of government.
