Former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki has been cremated in Nairobi, one day after his death at the age of 72. Kariuki was cremated at Kariokor Crematorium on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in accordance with his reported final wishes. He died on Tuesday, November 3, after battling cancer, according to media reports.
The private ceremony brought together prominent figures from Kenya’s political and legal circles, who gathered to pay their final respects to the former government chief legal adviser.
Uhuru Kenyatta, Martha Koome Join Mourners at Cremation
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Chief Justice Martha Koome joined family members and friends at Paul Kihara Kariuki’s cremation.
The ceremony also brought together former Chief Justices Willy Mutunga and David Maraga. Former Attorneys General Justin Muturi, Githu Muigai and Amos Wako attended the farewell.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also joined the mourners. Their presence reflected Kariuki’s extensive relationships within Kenya’s political and legal institutions.
A Legal Career Spanning Decades
Kariuki established himself in the legal profession through decades of service in private practice, education, the Judiciary and government.
He qualified for admission to the Kenyan Bar in 1978. His early career began at Hamilton Harrison and Mathews before he co-founded Ndungu Njoroge and Kwach Advocates.
Beyond private practice, Kariuki took up leadership in legal education. He served as principal and chief executive officer of the Kenya School of Law, where he oversaw the training of aspiring legal professionals.
Kariuki Rose Through the Judiciary
President Mwai Kibaki appointed Kariuki a High Court judge in 2003, marking his entry into the Judiciary.
He later established the Judiciary Training Institute as its founding director. His career progressed further in 2013 when he became President of the Court of Appeal.
Uhuru Appointed Him Attorney General
President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Kariuki Attorney General in 2018. He held the office until 2022.
During those four years, Kariuki served as the government’s principal legal adviser. He provided legal guidance to the Executive during the final years of Kenyatta’s presidency.
A Final Wish Honoured
Kariuki’s cremation followed his reported wish for this form of farewell. His choice also reflects a tradition followed by several prominent Kenyans, including environmentalist Wangari Maathai, former Safaricom chief executive Bob Collymore and former Attorney General Charles Njonjo.
His death marks the loss of a senior legal figure whose career spanned private practice, legal education, judicial leadership and public service. Kariuki leaves behind a legacy shaped by decades of work within Kenya’s legal and constitutional institutions.
