Former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki has died aged 72, the Judiciary has confirmed. Chief Justice Martha Koome announced his death on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, while paying tribute to his decades of service in Kenya’s legal sector.
Kariuki held several senior positions, including Attorney General and President of the Court of Appeal. He also helped strengthen judicial training and institutional reforms.
Koome Pays Tribute to Former Attorney General
In her statement, Koome described Kariuki as an accomplished jurist, an exemplary judicial leader and a dedicated public servant.
She recognised his contribution to the administration of justice and the development of Kenya’s legal institutions.
Koome also extended condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and others whose lives he touched during his career.
Kariuki Served as Attorney General from 2018 to 2022
Kariuki became Kenya’s Attorney General in February 2018 after former President Uhuru Kenyatta nominated him to replace Githu Muigai.
He served as the government’s chief legal adviser until October 2022. Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi succeeded him in the position. During his tenure, Kariuki advised the government on legal matters and represented the state’s legal interests.
Led the Court of Appeal
Before becoming Attorney General, Kariuki served as President of the Court of Appeal from 2013 to 2018. During that period, he championed reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility and the decentralisation of court operations.
He also played a significant role in judicial education. In 2009, he became the founding director of the Judicial Training Institute, laying foundations for structured judicial training.
Earlier, he served as a High Court judge after joining the Judiciary in October 2003. He also chaired a judicial integrity review committee established in 2006.
Legal Career and Education
Kariuki began his legal career at Hamilton Harrison & Mathews Advocates before becoming a partner at the firm. In 1986, he co-founded Ndungu Njoroge & Kwach Advocates, where he practised until 2000. He later served as director of the Kenya School of Law before joining the Bench.
Born on May 11, 1954, in Kiambu County, Kariuki was the son of the late Anglican Bishop Obadiah Kariuki and Lillian Wairimu.
He attended Nairobi School and earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi in 1977. His legacy includes decades of legal practice, judicial leadership and public service, alongside contributions to Kenya’s legal and judicial institutions.
