Kiprotich

The best of Mr Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki was manifest as a Judge of the High Court. I appeared before him at Milimani and Machakos on many matters. I won many and lost some. I never appealed or defended an appeal against any of his decisions. He was always just and judicious. The Judge was always himself and honest. He could appear in open Court without a jacket and retreat to Chambers to sip a drink or ink his pen without adjourning Court to the surprise of Advocates. He however, had zero tolerance for idiocy and mischief. He often reminded me of myself. My last appearance before Judge as a High Court Judge was in Machakos. “Mr Havi, your application is definitely one with merit no wonder your opponent is not here. It is also, meticulously drawn. But for good order, let me finish my cause list and write a precise one page ruling for you”, he said, inking his writing instrument and with an assuring broad smile. Service as President of the Court of Appeal and Attorney General diminished Judge’s good demeanor and legal acumen. He still called and we spoke often. I last met Judge at State House during the swearing-in of Justices Muchelule, Korir and Ngugi as Judges of the Court of Appeal, who he had advised Uhuru Kenyatta not to swear them in. Judge was a good man. The Attorney General destroyed a good man. All the same, Judge leaves an indelible mark behind. May he travel meticulously and safely to the unknown land as he did on this known land.