President William Ruto has mourned former Attorney-General Paul Kihara Kariuki, who died aged 72 on Tuesday, November 3, following a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades in Kenya’s legal and judicial institutions.
In a condolence message shared on X, the President described the late jurist as an accomplished lawyer and dedicated public servant who played an important role in strengthening the country’s legal system.
“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 Head of State particularly recognised Kihara’s contribution to judicial training, recalling his role as the founding director of the Judiciary Training Institute, where he helped shape the professional development of judicial officers.
Kihara’s career saw him serve in several senior positions, including as a High Court judge, President of the Court of Appeal and Kenya’s seventh Attorney-General.
Born on May 11, 1954, in Kiambu County, Kihara attended Nairobi School before joining the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1977. He later obtained a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
Interestingly, law was not his only passion during his early years. According to a profile published by Kenya Year Book, Kihara was also a stage actor during his school and university years, taking part in classical theatre productions.
He began his legal career in 1977 at Hamilton, Harrison and Mathews Advocates, where he later became a partner. In 1986, he co-founded Ndungu Njoroge and Kwach Advocates before moving into legal education.
In 2000, he was appointed Director of the Kenya School of Law and Secretary to the Council for Legal Education, positions he held before his appointment as a High Court judge in October 2003 by retired President Mwai Kibaki.
In 2009, he was appointed to head the newly established Judiciary Training Institute, helping establish a structured approach to the professional development of judicial officers.
Kihara later joined the Court of Appeal in 2012 and was elected its President in 2013, becoming the first judge elected by fellow judges to occupy the position under the 2010 Constitution. He served until 2018.
In February 2018, former President Uhuru Kenyatta nominated him to replace Githu Muigai as Attorney-General. He was subsequently sworn in as the seventh holder of the office, serving until October 2022 when he handed over to Justin Muturi.
During his tenure, he served as the government’s principal legal adviser and oversaw its legal representation in several major constitutional and public interest matters.
Ruto concluded his tribute by conveying condolences to Kihara’s family, friends and former colleagues, saying the country stood with them in mourning the loss.
Chief Justice Martha Koome also announced his death, describing him as an exemplary judicial leader whose contribution to the administration of justice would remain part of Kenya’s institutional history.
The Judiciary is expected to remember him for his contribution to legal education, judicial reforms and the development of institutions that continue to serve the country’s justice system.
