Former Attorney General and Court of Appeal President Paul Kihara Kariuki is dead. Chief Justice Martha Koome announced his death on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
In a condolence message on November 3, Koome described the late Kihara Kariuki as an accomplished jurist, judicial leader and dedicated public servant whose work in the administration of justice would remain part of Kenya’s institutional history.
She extended condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and those who worked with him, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
“It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the passing of Hon. Justice (Rtd.) Paul Kihara Kariuki, EGH, former Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya and former President of the Court of Appeal. On my own behalf, and on behalf of the entire Judiciary fraternity, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched during his distinguished career in public service,” read part of the statement.
Paul Kihara’s Legacy and Achievements
The Chief Justice said his legacy would live on through the institutions he helped build, the reforms he championed and the legal professionals who benefited from his leadership.
Koome also recognized his contribution as the founding Director of the Judiciary Training Institute, the predecessor of the Kenya Judiciary Academy.
On the other hand, President William Ruto remembered Justice Kihara as an accomplished jurist and dedicated public servant who made invaluable contributions to the development and strengthening of Kenya’s legal and judicial institutions.
“On my behalf and on behalf of the people of Kenya, I convey our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. We stand with them in mourning this great loss and honouring a life of distinguished service to our nation,” read part of his message.
Justice (Rtd.) Paul Kihara had a distinguished legal career, during which he contributed to reforms in Kenya’s judicial system.
Kihara Kariuki was appointed a High Court judge in 2003 before his elevation to the Court of Appeal, where he later became its first president elected by fellow judges under the 2010 Constitution.
He served as President of the Court of Appeal from 2013 to 2018, during which he championed reforms aimed at improving the court’s efficiency and accessibility, including decentralizing its operations.
Contributions to Kenya
During his tenure, he established foundations for structured judicial education, professional development and capacity building for judges, judicial officers and Judiciary staff.
He played a key role in developing the blueprints that informed the Court of Appeal Bill and the court’s Strategic Plan, initiatives aimed at strengthening the institution and improving the administration of justice.
His legal expertise covered civil, commercial and electoral matters, in which he had considerable experience.
Paul Kihara Kariuki served as Kenya’s Attorney General between 2018 and 2022, acting as the government’s principal legal adviser.
Beyond his judicial career, he served as an Honorary Legal Advisor to the Anglican Church of Kenya and was a member of the Law Society of Kenya, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, International Bar Association and Lawyers International Services Agency in the United States.
Academically, Kihara Kariuki held a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. Paul was 72 years old at the time of his death.
His parents were the Late Bishop of Anglican Church, Bishop Obadiah Kariuki and Lillian Wairimu the daughter of Senior Chief Koinange.
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