NAIROBI, Kenya – Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, has called for a swift investigation into the killing of city lawyer, Mathew Kyalo Mbobu.
Mbobu was shot dead on the evening of September 9, 2025, by an unknown assailant who executed a drive-by shooting before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle along Lang’ata Road.
“We call upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to commence immediate, all hands-on-deck investigations to identify, locate, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this crime,” said Odhiambo.
In a statement, the LSK president said the country had recently witnessed how efficacious its investigative agencies can be in undertaking investigations.
“And so, we anticipate that equal urgency and professionalism will be applied in concluding this matter. Anything else will be an indictment of the capacity of our Security Organs to discharge their mandate, and add to the growing frustration and scepticism on the state of security in the country,” Odhiambo added.
Through Odhiambo, LSK expressed profound grief and concern following the brutal gunning down of Mbobu, who has been eulogised as a reputable Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a resounding three decades of practice.
“This most unfortunate occurrence marks a sad day for the legal profession and for the entire country. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mbobu,” Odhiambo further said.
How LSK eulogised slain city lawyer, Mathew Kyalo Mbobu
According to Odhiambo, the legal profession mourns a distinguished member of dedicated service and demonstrable legal excellence.
“Through his expansive practice and devout service, Mbobu made instrumental contributions to the legal and governance space in Kenya. We fondly honour Mbotu for his efforts in moulding future generations of legal practitioners as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi,” she said.
In the statement, Odhiambo applauded the scholarly contributions Mbobu has left the country’s legal fraternity with through his texts, which the LSK boss said will continue to guide them in the practice, especially in the law of evidence.
“His service to the country through his tenure as the Chairman of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal leaves an indelible mark on his legacy. May his soul rest in peace,” said Odhiambo.
As the country makes sense of life without this Mbobu, whom she termed a legal giant, Odhiambo said the legal profession stands petrified at the dire state of safety for Advocates.
“While we await preliminary reports on the identity of the perpetrator and the motive, we are apprehensive that this has all the markings of a pre-determined assassination. Too often, Advocates have been victimised and targeted for the work that they do,” she stated.
Why the Advocates of the High Court of Kenya are up in arms
Odhiambo reiterated that the incident and other acts of violence, intimidation and retribution against Advocates of the High Court of Kenya represent a damning test to the administration of justice.
“The effective discharge of the constitutional functions of Advocates requires an environment that facilitates autonomy to work without fear of persecution. We decry this detestable act and demand that the perpetrators be hunted down and brought to book,” she further said.
Odhiambo observed that the free rein of crime in our streets and communities is an affront to the liberties and the lawfulness that make Kenya a Constitutional Democracy.
“Our security agencies have an immediate duty to act decisively in putting an end to this growing menace. Such calamitous levels of insecurity place our country at the precipice of lawlessness, a state that will bear a Constitutional duty to protect our country from,” she added.
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