Former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki dies aged 72

Former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki dies aged 72 - Former Attorney General and retired Court of Appeal President Paul Kihara Kariuki, who has died aged 72. (Photo: Courtesy)

Kariuki's death was confirmed by his family and Chief Justice Martha Koome in a condolence statement issued on Tuesday, November 3.

Former Attorney General and retired Court of Appeal President Paul Kihara Kariuki has died aged 72, with Chief Justice Martha Koome mourning him as an accomplished jurist whose leadership helped strengthen Kenya's judicial institutions.

Kariuki's death was confirmed by his family and Chief Justice Martha Koome in a condolence statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, in which she paid tribute to his contribution to the Judiciary and the country's legal system.

Koome, speaking on her own behalf and that of the Judiciary fraternity, extended condolences to Kariuki's family, friends, colleagues and everyone whose life he touched during his years in public service.

"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," Koome said.

She described Kariuki as an accomplished jurist, an exemplary judicial leader and a dedicated public servant whose contribution to the administration of justice and development of Kenya's legal institutions would remain part of the country's history.

Kariuki joined the Judiciary after being appointed a High Court judge in 2003, where he served before his elevation to the Court of Appeal.

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He later made history by becoming the first President of the Court of Appeal to be elected by fellow judges under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

He headed the Court of Appeal between 2013 and 2018, a period during which Koome said he provided leadership that strengthened the institution and its operations.

Among his contributions was championing reforms intended to make the court more efficient and accessible, including the decentralisation of its operations.

Koome also highlighted Kariuki's role in establishing the foundations of judicial training in the country through his pioneering work as the founding Director of the Judiciary Training Institute, which preceded the current Kenya Judiciary Academy.

She said Kariuki played a key role in setting up a structured system for judicial education, professional development and capacity building for judges, judicial officers and Judiciary staff at a critical stage in the institution's growth.

Beyond the Judiciary, Kariuki continued serving the country as Attorney General between 2018 and 2022, taking up the responsibility of being the Government's principal legal adviser.

Koome said his experience and knowledge of the law remained an important part of his service to the country.

As the Judiciary mourned his death, the Chief Justice said his contribution would continue to be felt through the institutions he helped establish, the reforms he championed and the legal professionals who benefited from his leadership.

"As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life devoted to the law, public service and the strengthening of institutions that sustain the rule of law. His legacy will endure through the institutions he helped build, the reforms he championed and the generations of judicial and legal professionals who benefited from his leadership," she said.

Koome also expressed sympathy to his family, saying Kariuki had lived a life of distinguished service and made a lasting contribution to Kenya.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult period. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Justice Kihara Kariuki lived a life of distinguished service and made a lasting contribution to our country,” she said.