Former Attorney General of Kenya Paul Kihara Kariuki has died aged 72, marking the end of a distinguished career in the country’s legal and judicial institutions.
His death was confirmed by his family and Chief Justice Martha Koome in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Chief Justice Koome expressed sadness over the loss, describing Kariuki as a respected former judge who served the country in several senior legal positions, including Attorney General and President of the Court of Appeal.
President William Ruto also joined national leaders in mourning the former Attorney General, recognising his contribution to public service and the development of Kenya’s legal institutions.
Kariuki was particularly remembered for his role in establishing and strengthening the Judiciary Training Institute, where he served as its founding director.
Paul Kihara Kariuki’s Legal and Judicial Career
Kariuki built a distinguished career spanning several decades in private legal practice, judicial service and government administration.
He studied law at the University of Nairobi before obtaining a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law. He was admitted to the Kenyan Bar in 1978.
He began his professional journey at Hamilton Harrison and Mathews Advocates before co-founding the law firm Ndungu Njoroge and Kwach Advocates.
He later joined the Kenya School of Law as its Principal and Chief Executive Officer, contributing to the training and development of legal professionals.
In 2003, Kariuki was appointed a High Court judge, where he served in the civil and commercial divisions.
His judicial career later took him to the Court of Appeal. In 2013, his fellow judges elected him President of the Court of Appeal, a position he held until 2018.
Appointment as Kenya’s Attorney General
In February 2018, former President Uhuru Kenyatta nominated Kariuki to become Kenya’s Attorney General following the resignation of Professor Githu Muigai.
Parliament subsequently approved his appointment in March 2018, and he officially assumed office on April 2, 2018.
His appointment marked another major milestone in a career that had already seen him occupy some of the country’s most influential legal positions.
As Attorney General, Kariuki served as the government’s principal legal adviser, representing the state’s interests in significant constitutional, administrative and commercial matters.
His tenure, however, coincided with several major disagreements between the Executive and Judiciary.
One of the most prominent controversies involved President Kenyatta’s decision not to appoint 41 judges recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The decision attracted criticism from then Chief Justice David Maraga and intensified discussions about judicial independence and the separation of powers.
Kariuki’s Role in the BBI Legal Battles
Kariuki also played a significant role in the government’s legal position during the court battles surrounding the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
The initiative, associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, sought constitutional amendments aimed at changing aspects of Kenya’s governance structure.
However, the proposed constitutional changes faced legal challenges that eventually reached the Supreme Court.
In March 2022, the Supreme Court upheld the finding that the BBI constitutional amendment process was unconstitutional, bringing the initiative’s legal journey to a major conclusion.
The case became one of the most consequential constitutional disputes during Kariuki’s tenure as Attorney General.
Government Cases and Legal Advisory Work
During his time at the State Law Office, Kariuki oversaw substantial legal work involving government institutions and public agencies.
According to figures previously presented by his office, the government concluded 4,541 cases filed against it during his tenure.
The State Law Office also issued 3,119 legal opinions to government ministries and agencies and approved 252 procurement contracts.
These figures highlighted the scale of legal responsibilities handled by the Attorney General’s office during his administration.
When Paul Kihara Kariuki Left Office
Kariuki’s tenure as Attorney General ended following the 2022 General Election and the formation of President William Ruto’s administration.
He left office on October 27, 2022, handing over the position to Justin Muturi, who had been appointed by President Ruto as his successor.
His departure marked the conclusion of a four-year period in which he served as the government’s chief legal adviser.
Despite leaving public office, Kariuki remained associated with the legal profession and various professional organisations.
His Contribution Beyond Government
Away from his judicial and government responsibilities, Kariuki maintained links with professional and religious institutions.
He served as an honorary legal adviser to the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).
He was also associated with several professional bodies, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the International Bar Association.
His career reflected decades of involvement in legal practice, judicial administration, professional development and public service.
Kenya Mourns Former Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki
Kariuki’s death marks the loss of a senior legal figure who served Kenya through different stages of his professional career.
From private legal practice to the High Court, Court of Appeal and State Law Office, he held positions that placed him at the centre of important legal and constitutional developments.
As tributes continue to emerge from national leaders and the legal fraternity, his contribution to Kenya’s justice system remains an important part of his professional legacy.
Further details concerning funeral arrangements and memorial services were not provided in the statement contained in the initial announcement.
Source: Statements attributed to Chief Justice Martha Koome, President William Ruto and the supplied report on Kariuki’s professional history.
Also Read: Hon. Calvince Okumu: Westlands MP 2027 Race – Why He Is the Man to Watch