The legal fraternity is in shock following the assassination of senior Advocate Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, who was shot dead on Tuesday evening in a drive-by attack in Nairobi.
Preliminary reports indicate that an unknown assailant opened fire on Mbobu as he drove home from work before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with leaders, colleagues, and students mourning the loss of the renowned lawyer, scholar, and mentor.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), in a strongly worded statement, described the killing as “abhorrent” and called for immediate and thorough investigations.
“Kyalo Mbobu was a fine practitioner and an excellent teacher of law. The abhorrent crime that has claimed his life must be dealt with swiftly and conclusively,” stated LSK President Faith Odhiambo.
The Society expressed concern over the growing threats faced by members of the legal profession, warning that the killing bore the hallmarks of a premeditated assassination.
“Too often, Advocates have been victimized and targeted for the work that they do. This incident represents a damning test of the administration of justice,” the Society stated, demanding that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) urgently track down and prosecute those responsible.
LSK noted that Mr. Mbobu, who had practiced law for three decades, was not only a reputable Advocate of the High Court but also a respected lecturer at the University of Nairobi, where he mentored generations of lawyers.
Ms. Odhiambo highlighted his academic contributions, particularly in the law of evidence, as well as his service as Chairperson of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, which form part of his enduring legacy.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, himself a former student of Mr. Mbobu, also condemned the killing, describing it as a cold-blooded act that has devastated the nation.
“Wakili Kyalo Mbobu was a distinguished advocate of the High Court of Kenya, an outstanding law scholar, and a dedicated public servant. I was honoured to be one of his students at the Parklands Campus of the University of Nairobi, where we benefited from his intellectual mentorship,” Kingi said.
The Speaker urged police to conduct speedy and thorough investigations to unmask the perpetrators and ensure justice.
“I join my colleagues in the legal fraternity and indeed all Kenyans in mourning Wakili Kyalo Mbobu, and praying that God gives his family, relatives, and friends the fortitude to bear this immense loss,” he added.
