Kenya is reeling after the fatal shooting of renowned lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, who was gunned down in Nairobi on September 9, 2025.
The Shooting Incident
Mbobu was attacked in a drive-by shooting while driving home in the affluent Karen Estate, near the Lang’ata-Magadi road junction. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots before his car came to a halt. Videos from the scene showed his lifeless, bloodied body inside the vehicle, sparking nationwide outrage.
Police Launch Investigation
The motive behind the killing remains unknown, but the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has assured Kenyans of swift action.
“We’re determined to provide the justice Mbobu and his loved ones deserve,” the agency said in a statement, while urging the public to remain calm and share any useful information.
Legal Community Condemns Killing
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) described the assassination as “abhorrent” and a direct attack on the country’s justice system.
“Advocates face growing threats for their work,” LSK President Faith Odhiambo stated, calling for urgent measures to protect lawyers and ensure accountability.
Mbobu’s Legacy
Beyond his legal practice, Mbobu was a respected lecturer at the University of Nairobi and a mentor to many young lawyers.
He also served as chairman of the Political Parties’ Dispute Tribunal, which handles electoral disputes, and the Business Rent Premises Tribunal, which resolves commercial conflicts.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, one of his former students, hailed him as a “distinguished advocate” and urged investigators to leave no stone unturned.
Pattern of Targeted Violence
Mbobu’s assassination comes months after the April 2025 killing of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in Nairobi, another suspected political assassination. Police have since charged several suspects, but the rising trend of violence against prominent figures continues to unsettle the nation.
Why It Matters
The killing of Mathew Kyalo Mbobu has raised serious concerns about insecurity in Kenya, particularly for public officials and legal professionals. His death underscores the urgent need for stronger protections, swift justice, and decisive action against targeted violence.
