NAIROBI — Retired Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki, Kenya’s former Attorney General and President of the Court of Appeal, has died at the age of 72. Peopledaily
His death was confirmed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, by his family and Chief Justice Martha Koome, who issued a statement of condolence on behalf of the Judiciary. Ynews
Koome described Kariuki as “an accomplished jurist, an exemplary judicial leader and a dedicated public servant whose contributions to the administration of justice and the development of Kenya’s legal institutions will remain an enduring part of our institutional history.” Peopledaily
She highlighted his role in decentralising court operations to improve accessibility and his foundational work as the founding director of the Judiciary Training Institute, the predecessor to the Kenya Judiciary Academy, which provides structured training for judges, magistrates and judiciary staff. Allafrica
President William Ruto also paid tribute, saying: “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.” Ynews
Ruto specifically noted Kariuki’s pioneering work at the Judiciary Training Institute in advancing the professional development of judicial officers. Ynews
Kariuki, born on May 11, 1954, in Kiambu, had a legal career spanning nearly five decades. He was admitted to the Bar in 1978 after studying law at the University of Nairobi. He practised privately before joining the Kenya School of Law as its director, was appointed a High Court judge in 2003, elevated to the Court of Appeal, and became the first president of that court elected by fellow judges under the 2010 Constitution, serving from 2013 to 2018. Wikipedia
In 2018, then-President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him Attorney General, a post he held until October 2022, when he handed over to Justin Muturi. As the government’s principal legal adviser, he handled major constitutional matters during the final years of the Kenyatta administration. Peopledaily
Tributes from judicial and government leaders have emphasised his lifelong commitment to institutional reforms and the rule of law. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.