Law Society of Kenya statement on Killing of Advocate Kyalo Mbobu

The Law Society of Kenya expresses profound grief and concern following the brutal gunning down of Mr. Kyalo Mbobu, a reputable Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a resounding three decades of Practice. Mr. Mbobu was slain on the evening of 9th September 2025 by an unknown assailant who executed a drive-by shooting before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. 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 Mr. Mbobu.

The legal profession mourns a distinguished member of dedicated service and demonstrable legal excellence. Through his expansive practice and devout service, Mr. Mbobu made instrumental contributions to the legal and governance space in Kenya.

We fondly honour Mr. Mbobu for his efforts in molding future generations of legal practitioners as a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi. We applaud the scholarly contributions he left us with through his texts which will continue to guide us in our practice especially in the law of evidence. His service to country through his tenure as the Chairman of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal leaves an indelible mark to his legacy. May his soul rest in peace.

As we make sense of life without this legal giant, 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 markings of a pre-determined assassination. Too often, Advocates have been victimized 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 represents 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.

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. 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 to the capacity of our Security Organs to discharge their mandate, and add to the growing frustration and skepticism on the state of security in the country.

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.

Faith Odhiambo
PRESIDENT, LAW SOCIETY OF KENYA