Former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki has died aged 72, prompting messages of condolence from President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and leaders in the legal fraternity .
Chief Justice Martha Koome announced his death on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, describing him as an accomplished jurist, judicial leader and dedicated public servant .
National Leaders Pay Respects (Ruto & Uhuru)
In his condolence message, President Ruto said Kariuki had made an important contribution to the development of Kenya's legal and judicial 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.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also mourned Kariuki, describing him as a renowned judge and public servant whose career left a lasting mark on Kenya's legal institutions .
Tenure as Attorney General (2018–2022)
Kariuki served as Kenya's Attorney General from 2018 to 2022 under Kenyatta's administration. He was appointed to the position after the resignation of Githu Muigai.
Early Life, Education, and Legal Beginnings
Born on May 11, 1954, in Kiambu County, Kariuki studied law at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1977. He later built a career in private legal practice before joining the Judiciary .
Judicial Career and Institutional Legacy
He was appointed a High Court judge in 2003 and later became President of the Court of Appeal in 2013, serving until 2018. During his time in the Judiciary, he also played a key role in establishing structured training for judicial officers through the Judiciary Training Institute.
Koome said his legacy would live on through the institutions he helped build and the legal professionals who benefited from his leadership. His death marks the end of a long career in law and public service .
