Former Attorney General Paul Kihara, who died on November 3 aged 72, was cremated at Kariokor Crematorium in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 4, in accordance with his final wishes.
The ceremony brought together senior judicial officials, former government leaders and prominent figures from Kenya’s legal and political circles, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Among those who attended were Chief Justice Martha Koome, former Chief Justices Willy Mutunga and David Maraga, former Attorneys General Githu Muigai, Justin Muturi and Amos Wako, as well as Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
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Nearly five decades in the legal profession
Kihara’s legal career spanned nearly five decades, taking him through private legal practice, legal education, the Judiciary and public service.
He studied law at the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1977. He later obtained a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
After completing his studies, he joined Nairobi-based law firm Hamilton Harrison and Mathews Advocates as a legal assistant, serving between 1977 and 1980. He subsequently became a partner at the firm, a position he held from 1981 to 1986.
Kihara later served as Director of the Kenya School of Law before joining the Judiciary in October 2003, following his appointment as a High Court judge by retired President Mwai Kibaki.
Service in the Judiciary and as Attorney General
During his judicial career, Kihara served as a duty judge at the High Court. In 2006, he chaired an integrity review committee established by then Chief Justice Evan Gicheru.
In 2009, he was appointed to head the Judicial Training Institute, where he contributed to the development of judicial education and professional training.
After leaving the Judiciary, Kihara was appointed Attorney General under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. He served in the position until 2022, providing legal advice to the government.
His death brings to a close a career spanning almost 50 years across private legal practice, legal education, judicial administration and public service.
Kihara’s cremation at Kariokor followed his final wishes, bringing together some of the country’s most prominent legal and political figures to pay their respects.