Former Attorney General and retired Judge Paul Kihara Kariuki has died aged 72.
The Judiciary has mourned the death of former Attorney General and former President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice (Rtd.) Paul Kihara Kariuki, describing him as an accomplished jurist and distinguished public servant whose contribution to Kenya's legal and judicial institutions will remain significant.
In a condolence message, Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Martha Koome expressed profound sadness following Kariuki's death, extending her sympathies to his family, friends, former colleagues and all those whose lives were touched by his distinguished career in public service.
Koome said Kariuki dedicated his professional life to the administration of justice and the strengthening of Kenya's legal institutions, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the country's judicial history.
Justice Kihara Kariuki was appointed a Judge of the High Court in 2003, where he served before being elevated to the Court of Appeal. He subsequently made history in 2013 when he became the first President of the Court of Appeal elected by fellow judges under the 2010 Constitution.
He served as President of the Court of Appeal between 2013 and 2018, a period during which he provided leadership aimed at strengthening the institution and improving the administration of justice.
According to the Chief Justice, Kariuki championed reforms that enhanced the court's efficiency and accessibility, including the decentralisation of its operations to bring judicial services closer to the people.
Beyond his judicial responsibilities, Kariuki also played a significant role in shaping the training and professional development of judicial officers.
He was the founding Director of the Judiciary Training Institute, the predecessor of the Kenya Judiciary Academy.
During his tenure, he laid the operational foundations for a structured and institutionalised approach to judicial education, professional development and capacity building for judges, judicial officers and other Judiciary staff.
Koome noted that his pioneering leadership in judicial training helped establish an institutional framework
