James Karugu was independent Kenya's second attorney general who served the country with great dedication. He took over from Charles Njonjo.
Mr Karugu became attorney general in 1980 after being appointed by President Daniel Arap Moi. He had been serving the country as a deputy public prosecutor.
Karugu resigned on June 2, 1981, during the turbulent years of the Nyayo era and confined himself to private life. The resignation baffled many Kenyans.
Upon being appointed attorney general, Karugu vowed to deal with the corruption menace in the judicial system. However, shortly after leaving the office, he said: "I don't have to live off corruption and I can make an honest living over farming."
The day after resigning, he took his entire family to his farm in Kiambu to make what he termed as "a truly honest living."
Karugu attended St Peter Claver's Primary School in Nairobi and Mangu High for his A levels. He then went to the Holy Ghost College Mangu where he was strongly shaped by the strict character requirements, discipline and code of ethics.
Karugu was a close associate and childhood friend of Charles Njonjo, a close ally of the then-President Moi. However, he strongly adhered to professional ethical conduct and did not allow anyone to push him around.
In his first days in office, Karugu was confronted with the dilemma of how to deal with a shoot-to-kill order issued by his predecessor. Members of Parliament had opposed the order since it could be misused by some wayward police officers to harm or kill innocent citizens.
Shortly after being handed over the office, Karugu issued a ministerial statement in Parliament, which cautioned police officers against misuse of firearms. At the same time, he advised the police to only use lethal force when such force is necessary.
Karugu died on November 9, 2022, aged 86.
