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Nairobi lawyer shot by boda-boda gunmen in Karen
A prominent Nairobi lawyer, Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, was shot and killed in his car by an assailant on a motorbike on Magadi Road in Karen.
A Nairobi City based lawyer was on Tuesday, September 9, shot dead on Magadi Road in Karen area.
Mr Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, a former chairman of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, was shot in the driver's seat of his car by a gunman on a motorbike, who later escaped.
Preliminary reports indicated that the motive for the shooting was unclear.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrived at the scene later and helped clear the traffic that had built up on the busy route.
Police and detectives who processed the scene found the body of Mr Mbobu leaning on the driver's seat, facing down in a pool of blood.
Elections tribunal chairperson Kyalo Mbobu (centre) with tribunal members James Atemi (left) and Hassan Abdi (right) during the hearing of an election petition filed by Laikipia governor Joshua Irungu.
A police report seen by Daily Nation showed he was shot five times.
“The driver's window was shuttered and the deceased's phone was recovered and kept as exhibit for further forensic investigations .The body was moved to lee funeral home awaiting postmortem and identification. Dci dealing,” the report stated.
On Tuesday, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) identified the victim as a reputable advocate with over three decades of practice.
In a strongly-worded statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo expressed profound grief and concern, describing the killing as having "all the markings of a pre-determined assassination."
Mr Mbobu was a significant figure in Kenya's legal landscape. He served as the Chairman of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal and was a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, where he was known for molding future lawyers.
He also founded the lawfirm Kyalo and Associates.
He also authored influential legal texts, particularly in the law of evidence.
"The legal profession mourns a distinguished member of dedicated service and demonstrable legal excellence," the LSK statement read. "His service to country... leaves an indelible mark to his legacy."
The Society condemned the growing trend of violence against advocates, calling it a "damning test to the administration of Justice." They have demanded immediate and decisive action from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
"We call upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to commence immediate, all-hands-on-deck investigations to identify, locate, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this crime," said President Odhiambo.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi also condemned the killing, describing it as cold-blooded.
“I was honoured to be one of his students at the Parklands Campus of the University Nairobi, where we benefited from his intellectual mentorship. we expect the police to carry out speedy and thorough investigations to unearth the reason and culprits behind this heinous crime and ensure justice is served,” Mr Kingi said.
