The Judiciary has mourned the death of former Attorney General and Court of Appeal President Paul Kihara Kariuki, remembering his contribution to Kenya’s legal institutions and the administration of justice.
Kihara Kariuki died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, aged 72.
In a condolence statement, Chief Justice Martha Koome said she had received the news of his death with profound sadness, extending her sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues and those who worked with him during his career.
“It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the passing of Hon. Justice (Rtd.) Paul Kihara Kariuki, former Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya and former President of the Court of Appeal,” Koome said.
“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 described Kihara Kariuki as an accomplished jurist, exemplary judicial leader and dedicated public servant whose contribution to the administration of justice and development of Kenya’s legal institutions would remain part of the country’s institutional history.
Kihara Kariuki was appointed a High Court judge in 2003 before his subsequent elevation to the Court of Appeal.
In 2013, he became the first President of the Court of Appeal to be elected by fellow judges under the 2010 Constitution. He served in the position until 2018.
During his tenure, he spearheaded reforms aimed at strengthening the court’s institutional capacity, improving efficiency and making its services more accessible. These included the decentralisation of the Court of Appeal’s operations.
The late jurist also played a key role in the development of judicial training in Kenya. He served as the founding Director of the Judiciary Training Institute, which preceded the Kenya Judiciary Academy.
According to Koome, Kihara Kariuki established the operational foundations for structured judicial education, professional development and capacity building for judges, judicial officers and Judiciary staff.
Beyond the Judiciary, he continued serving the country in another senior public office after his appointment as Attorney General in 2018.
He served as the country’s chief legal adviser until 2022, bringing his extensive legal experience to the government’s legal affairs.
Koome said the Judiciary celebrated a life dedicated to the law, public service and the strengthening of institutions that uphold 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.
The Chief Justice also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, saying the late jurist had made a lasting contribution to the country.
“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,” Koome said.
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