Paul Kihara Kariuki, who served as Attorney General from 2018 to 2022 under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has passed away. Kariuki had a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in law and public service. He was a renowned lawyer, leader of the judiciary, and public servant who made significant contributions to strengthening Kenya's institutions of law.
Chief Justice Martha Koome confirmed his death on Tuesday, describing Kariuki as a brilliant lawyer, a leader of the judiciary, and a public servant who contributed immensely to strengthening Kenya's institutions of law. President William Ruto noted that Kariuki's impact went beyond the judiciary, citing his role in establishing the Judiciary Training Institute, which provided professional training to judges and other judicial officers.
Kariuki's tenure as Attorney General was marked by significant controversy, particularly regarding the appointment of 41 judges recommended by the Judicial Service Commission. President Kenyatta refused to appoint all of them, citing concerns about their integrity. This led to the Law Society of Kenya threatening to remove Kariuki from the roll of advocates on grounds of professional misconduct.
Despite the controversy, Kariuki obtained a court order blocking the Law Society's move. He also defended the government on the Building Bridges Initiative, which was later nullified by the High Court. Kariuki was born in Kiambu in 1954 and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi in 1977.
Before becoming Attorney General, Kariuki served as a High Court judge from 2003 and later as the first director of the Judiciary Training Institute in 2009. In 2013, he was appointed as the first President of the Court of Appeal under the 2010 Constitution. Former Chief Justice David Maraga eulogized Kariuki as a dedicated lawyer who selflessly served the nation and promoted the rule of law.
President Kenyatta also paid tribute to Kariuki, highlighting his leadership of the Court of Appeal and the Office of the Attorney General, which left a lasting impact on government institutions. Kariuki's legacy in Kenya's judiciary and public service is undeniable, with his contributions remembered for years to come.
The nation mourns the loss of a distinguished lawyer and public servant, with many remembering Kariuki's commitment to upholding the law and promoting justice in Kenya. His death has sent shockwaves through the country's legal and political communities, with many paying tribute to his remarkable life and career.
Key points
- Paul Kihara Kariuki, Kenya's former Attorney General, has died at the age of 72.
- Kariuki served as Attorney General from 2018 to 2022 under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- He was a renowned lawyer, leader of the judiciary, and public servant who made significant contributions to strengthening Kenya's institutions of law.
