LSK condemns killing of advocate Kyalo Mbobu in Nairobi, calls for immediate probe

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to immediately launch a thorough probe into the killing of advocate Kyalo Mbobu, describing the attack as a chilling threat to the safety of legal practitioners in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo noted that advocates are increasingly targeted for performing their constitutional duties, saying Mbobu’s murder underscores the urgent need for heightened protection.

Mbobu was shot dead on the evening of September 9, 2025, in a drive-by attack in Karen, Nairobi. The assailant fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The Society expressed profound grief over his death, conveying heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

“The legal profession mourns a distinguished member of dedicated service and demonstrable legal excellence,” LSK said.

Mbobu, who had over three decades of experience as a High Court advocate, also lectured at the University of Nairobi, shaping future generations of lawyers.

LSK acknowledged his contributions to legal scholarship, particularly in the law of evidence, as well as his service as Chairman of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal.

Instrumental contributions

“Through his expansive practice and devout service, Mr Mbobu made instrumental contributions to the legal and governance space in Kenya. His service to the country leaves an indelible mark on his legacy,” Odhiambo added.

The society also raised concerns about broader security threats facing legal practitioners. Odhiambo warned that acts of violence, intimidation, and retribution against High Court advocates pose a serious challenge to the effective administration of justice.

“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. This 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,” she said.

She urged the DCI to conduct an “all-hands-on-deck investigation to identify, locate, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this crime.”

Investigations

“We have recently witnessed how efficacious our investigative agencies can be in undertaking investigations, and 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,” she added.

Odhiambo further warned that the escalating crime across the country threatens the liberties and legal order that underpin Kenya’s constitutional democracy. She called on security agencies to act decisively to curb the growing menace.

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“The free reign of crime in our streets and communities is an affront to the liberties and the lawfulness that makes 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 we all bear a Constitutional duty to protect our country from,” she said.

While honouring Mbobu’s legacy, the society reiterated that justice must be served, urging authorities to ensure legal practitioners can carry out their duties without fear of persecution.