NAIROBI, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday announced the resignation of Attorney General Githu Muigai and immediately named his successor as the principal legal adviser to the government.

In a statement, Kenyatta said he received with regret the resignation of Muigai from the office of Attorney General effective the date of the appointment of his successor.

"I wish to place on record, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Kenya, our gratitude for the committed and dedicated service that Professor Muigai has accorded to our nation over the last six and a half years that he has served in the office of Attorney General," Kenyatta said.

"I wish professor Muigai all the very best in the next phase of his professional career," he added. No reason was given for Githu's resignation which comes as Kenyatta has been reconstituting members of his cabinet.

The president said he has nominated Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki to the National Assembly for approval as the country's next Attorney General.