Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that detectives have identified persons of interest in the killing of city lawyer Kyalo Mbobu.
Although he did not disclose their identities, Mr Murkomen assured the family of the slain lawyer that justice would be served.
The CS said officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are working around the clock to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and charged.
Mr Mbobu was fatally shot on Tuesday evening along Magadi Road in Nairobi’s Karen area. Mr Murkomen described the lawyer’s death as a sad and tragic incident, referring to the deceased as both his teacher and friend.
“We also worked together. It is regrettable to assassinate a prominent person,” he said.
According to the CS, the motive of the heinous act remains unclear, but he expressed interest in knowing why Mbobu was targeted.
“We have been in touch with DCI since the incident happened. Persons of interest have been identified, and I am confident that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” he added.
Speaking to journalists in Migori on Thursday, Mr Murkomen said a number of people have already come forward with information about the murder.
“I encourage more Kenyans to share what they know. Witnesses have already spoken and I am optimistic that within a short while, we will get leads,” he said.
Kenya has witnessed such killings in the past, many of which remain unsolved, especially those involving ordinary citizens.
Mr Murkomen stressed that it is not the government’s intention to only resolve high-profile cases. He assured all families who have lost loved ones to crime that justice will be pursued.
He said the DCI will be required to account for all murder cases across the country. Officers struggling in their investigations, he added, should seek help from headquarters noting that the government is willing to allocate more resources.
“DCI should move with speed and apprehend suspects in other cases as well. I will ensure justice is served and perpetrators brought to book. All resources are being deployed to ensure this happens,” he said.
The CS also warned that criminal gangs are becoming a serious threat to national security. He blamed politicians for hiring goons during campaigns, noting that such groups often evolve into criminal outfits.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry has announced an intelligence-led operation to eliminate illegal firearms in the country. Mr Murkomen directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to lead the operation, which will involve mapping individuals with unregistered guns.
He cited parts of the Rift Valley—particularly Narok and Baringo—as regions still plagued by insecurity due to banditry, cattle rustling, and land disputes.
As a temporary measure, he called on the Lands Ministry to address communal disputes and urged residents to embrace alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
“Land disputes between communities are fueling violence, complicated by illegal firearms that have caused deaths of civilians and government officers alike,” Mr Murkomen said.
He warned that those who fail to cooperate with security agencies will face unspecified consequences.
During the Migori security briefing, police officers requested more support to strengthen operations at Muhuru Bay in Nyatike and other porous entry points that allow illegal goods into the country.
On gender-based violence and sexual offences against women and children, the CS acknowledged the challenge of addressing the vices, especially when some government officers succumb to cultural practices that perpetuate them.
He expressed concern over the persistence of female genital mutilation in Kuria, where some families remain unwilling to report violations.
Mr Murkomen noted that most data on such cases is obtained from NGOs and hospitals, urging chiefs to document all incidents within their jurisdictions.
“Many children are suffering in silence. Once you become a public officer, don’t be held hostage by practices that communities may consider normal. We must deal with issues affecting vulnerable members of society,” he said.
