Fresh emotional details have emerged following the death of former Attorney General and retired Court of Appeal President Kihara Kariuki, with a judiciary colleague now revealing the touching final message he received from the respected legal figure before his passing.
The revelation has attracted attention among members of the legal fraternity and Kenyans who continue to remember Kariuki for his distinguished career, contribution to the country’s justice system and commitment to the rule of law.
Judiciary communications officer Zakheem Rajan disclosed that he was among the people who remained in contact with Kariuki even after the former judge retired from active service. According to Rajan, their professional relationship had developed into a cordial friendship that continued beyond Kariuki’s years in the judiciary.
Taking to social media, Rajan shared what he described as the last communication he received from the late legal practitioner. The message was brief but carried a deeply meaningful expression of goodwill and faith.
“The peace of Allah be with you, Sir,” Kariuki reportedly wrote.
The simple words have since taken on a special meaning following his death, with many reflecting on the humility and warmth displayed by the former senior judicial officer in his final interactions with colleagues.
Kariuki reportedly died on November 11 after battling cancer, bringing to an end a remarkable career that saw him occupy some of the most influential positions in Kenya’s legal and public service institutions.
He served as President of the Court of Appeal from 2013 before being appointed Kenya’s Attorney General in 2018. He held the powerful government position until 2022, during which he played a significant role in advising the government on legal matters.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from members of the legal profession, former colleagues and Kenyans who remembered his contribution to the administration of justice.
Among those who shared personal memories was lawyer Peter Wanyama, who recalled an extraordinary courtroom experience in 2007 that demonstrated Kariuki’s determination to ensure justice was not delayed by unnecessary bureaucracy.
According to Wanyama, he was still a young lawyer when he appeared before Kariuki seeking urgent court intervention to prevent approximately KSh90 million allegedly taken from his client from being transferred outside Kenya.
The matter required immediate action because any delay could have resulted in the money leaving the country, potentially making recovery extremely difficult.
Wanyama recalled that after listening to the circumstances and appreciating the urgency of the application, Kariuki took decisive action.
Rather than waiting for the formal court order to be prepared and typed through the usual administrative procedures, the judge reportedly took a pen and personally handwritten the order while seated on the bench.
He then instructed the young lawyer to make photocopies of the handwritten document and immediately deliver them to the bank’s head office.
The intervention helped preserve the KSh90 million and prevented the funds from being transferred out of the country.
Wanyama praised Kariuki for demonstrating that the pursuit of justice sometimes requires courage, speed and practical decision-making, particularly when people’s rights and property are at risk.
His recollection has added another dimension to the tributes surrounding Kariuki’s death, highlighting not only the senior positions he held but also the personal impact he had on individuals who encountered him in court.
As the legal fraternity continues to mourn his passing, the revelation of his final message and the remarkable courtroom story have painted a picture of a man remembered for his faith, professionalism and dedication to justice.
For many, Kihara Kariuki’s legacy will extend beyond the offices he occupied. It will also live on through the decisions he made, the people he helped and the principles he demonstrated throughout his years of service.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. 🕊️
