Former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki. Photo: FILE

In a statement shared on his X account, Ruto described Kihara as an accomplished jurist and dedicated public servant whose work strengthened the country’s legal institutions.

“We shall remember Justice Kihara as an accomplished jurist and dedicated public servant, who made an invaluable contribution to the development and strengthening of Kenya’s legal and judicial institutions,” Ruto said.

The president highlighted Kihara’s role as the founding director of the judiciary training institute, where he helped shape the professional development of Kenya’s judicial officers.

Ruto also extended his condolences to Kihara's family, friends and colleagues, saying the country stood with them in mourning his death.

Kihara served as Kenya's Attorney General between 2018 and 2022 after being appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Before his appointment to the State Law Office, he served as President of the Court of Appeal from 2013 to 2018, having previously served as a judge of the High Court.