Kenya Mourns Former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki
President William Ruto and other Kenyan leaders honored former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki following his death at age 72 on November 3, 2026.
Former Attorney General and retired Court of Appeal President Paul Kihara Kariuki died on November 3, 2026, at the age of 72. His death was confirmed by his family and the Judiciary of Kenya.
William Ruto, the President of Kenya, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued condolence messages praising Kariuki as a dedicated public servant and accomplished jurist. Ruto specifically highlighted Kariuki's role as the founding director of the Judicial Training Institute, which later became the Kenya Judiciary Academy.
Kariuki's legal career spanned several decades, beginning as a High Court judge in 2003. From 2013 to 2018, he served as the first President of the Court of Appeal elected by fellow judges under the 2010 Constitution. In this role, he implemented reforms to increase court accessibility and efficiency, including the decentralization of court functions. He concluded his public service as Attorney General from 2018 to 2022 under the administration of Uhuru Kenyatta.
Chief Justice Martha Koome described Kariuki as an exemplary leader whose legacy persists through the professional development frameworks and institutions he established.
