Ruto, Uhuru lead tributes to former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki

Ruto, Uhuru lead tributes to former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki - Former Attorney General and retired Court of Appeal President Paul Kihara Kariuki, who has died aged 72. (Photo: Courtesy)

Ruto described Kariuki as an accomplished jurist and dedicated public servant who made valuable contributions to the development and strengthening of Kenya's legal and judicial institutions.

I have learnt with deep sadness of the passing of Hon Justice (retired) Paul Kariuki Kihara, former Attorney-General of Kenya and former President of the Court of Appeal.

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We shall remember Justice Kihara as an accomplished jurist and dedicated public servant, who made an… pic.twitter.com/xa2uPsxh1qUhuru also mourned Kariuki, describing him as a renowned judge and dedicated public servant whose long career as Attorney General and President of the Court of Appeal left a lasting mark on Kenya's judicial and public institutions.Kariuki served as Attorney General between 2018 and 2022 under Uhuru's administration.The former Head of State conveyed his condolences to the family, friends and well-wishers, praying for strength and comfort as they mourned his death.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has conveyed his condolences to the family, friends, and well-wishers of the late Hon. Justice (Rtd) Paul Kihara Kariuki, EGH, following his untimely demise.

The former Head of State mourned Hon. Justice Paul Kihara as a renowned judge and… pic.twitter.com/h5QjCcqvTUNational Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula said Kariuki had dedicated his life to serving the country and advancing the rule of law.He recognised his contribution as a Court of Appeal judge and later as Attorney General, saying his career reflected a strong commitment to public service, constitutionalism and the administration of justice."His passing is a great loss to the legal fraternity and our country. We have lost a respected colleague whose legacy of integrity, professionalism and service will be missed," he wrote.Wetang'ula, on behalf of the National Assembly, extended condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and the entire legal fraternity.Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also mourned Kariuki, describing him as an accomplished lawyer who made major contributions to Kenya's judicial institutions.He noted that Kariuki served as President of the Court of Appeal and held other distinguished positions, praying for comfort for his family.Lawyer Nelson Havi also paid tribute to Kariuki, recalling his experience appearing before him when he served as a High Court judge in Milimani and Machakos.Havi described him as a fair and honest judge who maintained high standards while handling cases.

The best of Mr Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki was manifest as a Judge of the High Court. I appeared before him at Milimani and Machakos on many matters. I won many and lost some. I never appealed or defended an appeal against any of his decisions. He was always just and judicious.…

Chief Justice Martha Koome announced Kariuki's death in a condolence message on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.She described him as an accomplished jurist, exemplary judicial leader and dedicated public servant whose contribution to Kenya's legal institutions would remain part of the country's history.“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,” Koome said.Kariuki was appointed a High Court judge in 2003 before joining the Court of Appeal. Between 2013 and 2018, he served as the first President of the Court of Appeal elected by fellow judges under the 2010 Constitution.During his tenure, he championed reforms to improve the court's efficiency and accessibility, including decentralising its operations.He also served as the founding director of the Judiciary Training Institute, which supported professional development among judges, judicial officers and other Judiciary staff. Before joining the bench, he was Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya School of Law.Kariuki became Kenya's seventh Attorney General in April 2018 after the resignation of Prof Githu Muigai. He served until October 2022, when Justin Muturi took over following the change of administration.His tenure involved major legal matters, including court cases surrounding the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and disagreements between the Executive and Judiciary over the swearing-in of judges recommended by the Judicial Service Commission.