President Ruto Mourns Former Attorney-General Kihara Kariuki

• President William Ruto mourned the passing of retired Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki, former Attorney-General and first President of the Court of Appeal.
• Justice Kariuki died on Tuesday morning.
• President Ruto praised him as an accomplished jurist who shaped Kenya’s legal and judicial institutions.
• He was the founding director of the Judiciary Training Institute, advancing judicial professional development.
• Justice Kariuki was appointed a High Court Judge in 2003, became the first Court of Appeal President in 2013, and Attorney General in 2018.

President Ruto characterized Justice Kariuki as an accomplished jurist whose extensive service played a crucial role in the development and fortification of Kenya’s legal and judicial institutions.

President William Ruto has conveyed his profound sorrow and paid tribute to the late retired Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki, who passed away on Tuesday morning. Justice Kariuki was a highly respected figure in Kenya's legal community, having served prominently as both the former Attorney-General and the inaugural President of the Court of Appeal. In his message of condolence, President Ruto characterized Justice Kariuki as an accomplished jurist whose extensive service played a crucial role in the development and fortification of Kenya’s legal and judicial institutions. This recognition from the Head of State underscores the significant impact Justice Kariuki had on the nation's governance and rule of law.

The President's tribute further highlighted Justice Kariuki’s substantial contributions to enhancing the country’s justice system, noting that his distinguished career encompassed a variety of pivotal roles within the legal and judicial establishment. Among these, President Ruto particularly emphasized his foundational leadership as the first director of the Judiciary Training Institute. In this capacity, Justice Kariuki was instrumental in advancing the professional development of judicial officers, thereby strengthening the human capital within the judiciary and ensuring a higher standard of legal practice across the country.

Justice Kariuki's journey through the legal system commenced with his appointment as a Judge of the High Court in 2003, a foundational step that set the stage for his subsequent elevations. His exceptional legal acumen and dedication to public service quickly became evident, leading to his advancement to the Court of Appeal. A defining moment in his career occurred in 2013 when he was appointed as the first President of the Court of Appeal, a testament to his leadership qualities and profound understanding of appellate jurisprudence. He served in this pioneering role with distinction for five years, until 2018, establishing precedents and guiding the newly formed court.

Following his impactful tenure as the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Kariuki transitioned to another critical national office. In 2018, he was appointed the Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya, assuming the principal legal advisory role to the government. This progression through such high-ranking judicial and legal positions illustrates a consistent trajectory of influence and responsibility, marking him as a central figure in the evolution of Kenya's legal and governance structures over several decades. His diverse experience across these key roles provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the nation's legal landscape.

President Ruto's message specifically acknowledged Justice Kariuki's profound and lasting impact on building institutional capacity within the Judiciary. His efforts were particularly focused on judicial training and professional development, areas crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the justice system. The President affirmed that Justice Kihara will be remembered as an accomplished jurist and a dedicated public servant, whose invaluable contributions were central to the development and strengthening of Kenya’s legal and judicial institutions. This statement encapsulates the breadth and depth of his commitment to public service.

On behalf of the Kenyan people, President Ruto extended his heartfelt condolences to Justice Kariuki's family, friends, and colleagues, expressing solidarity during this period of loss. The President's message underscored the nation's collective mourning and its commitment to honouring a life distinguished by unwavering service to the nation. This sentiment reflects the widespread appreciation for Justice Kariuki's significant role in upholding the rule of law and fostering a robust legal environment in Kenya.

Source: Original reporting via official statements.