Family Mourns Slain Lawyer
The family of city lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu has described him as peaceful, loving, and caring. His life was tragically cut short in a drive-by shooting.
Mbobu was killed on Tuesday evening along Magadi Road. Police said he was struck by an assassin’s bullet while driving home. They believe the murder was targeted, but the motive is still unclear.
At their home in Maiani, Kilome, Makueni County, Mbobu’s family expressed shock. His brother, James Maluki, also a lawyer, said:
“Kyalo was a lawyer who was not involved in controversial cases; we cannot understand why someone murdered him in such a devastating manner.”
Mbobu’s 86-year-old mother mourned in silence. The family is preparing for a postmortem at Lee Funeral Home on Thursday, September 11.
Maluki appealed to the government for justice:
“We need to enjoy our freedom of movement, and as professionals, we need to be allowed to do our work without fear.”
Legal Community Reacts
Mbobu served as chairperson of the Political Parties Disputes Resolution Tribunal. He had also lectured at the University of Nairobi School of Law and practiced law for three years.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) assured the public that the investigation is ongoing. DCI Director Mohamed Amin, through a statement signed by John Marete, said investigators are using all available resources to solve the case.
Purple Ribbon March Announced
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announced a Purple Ribbon March on Friday, September 12. The march will honor Mbobu and protest violence targeting lawyers.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo said:
“Too often, advocates have been victimized and targeted for the work that they do. Our security agencies must act decisively to end this growing menace.”
In Nairobi, the peaceful procession will start at Milimani Law Courts and move along Kenyatta Avenue to Vigilance House, where a memorandum will be presented to the Inspector General of Police.
