City Lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu. Photo; The Star
The legal fraternity is in mourning following the shocking murder of prominent Nairobi-based lawyer and governance expert, Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, who was shot dead Tuesday evening, September 9, 2025, in what authorities believe was a targeted assassination.
According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the fatal shooting occurred around 5:40 p.m. along Magadi Road, near the Galleria–Brookhouse area in Karen, Nairobi. Mbobu, who was driving home, was reportedly ambushed while stuck in traffic. Gunmen riding on motorcycles drew alongside his vehicle and opened fire at close range, fatally wounding him.
“He was shot multiple times through the driver’s window. The attackers seemed to know exactly where he would be and acted with chilling precision,” said a senior police officer at the scene.
Mbobu’s vehicle came to a halt amid peak hour traffic, and the horrifying scene triggered panic among other motorists and passersby. Emergency responders and police quickly arrived, but the lawyer was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later transferred to the city mortuary as homicide detectives launched a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Until his death, Mathew Kyalo Mbobu was a respected legal mind with over 25 years of experience. He previously served as the Chairperson of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal and was a lecturer at the University of Nairobi School of Law, where he mentored hundreds of students.
He was also known for his contributions to public governance, having advised numerous state and non-state institutions on legal reform, constitutional matters, and electoral justice.
Colleagues described him as principled, soft-spoken, and deeply committed to justice and the rule of law.
“This is not just a loss to his family, but to the entire legal profession and the country at large. Mbobu was a pillar in Kenya’s governance landscape,” said Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President.
Nairobi police have launched investigations into the murder, with detectives focusing on leads that point to a targeted killing. Surveillance footage from nearby buildings and traffic cameras is being reviewed. No arrests had been made at the time of publication.
Initial reports suggest the assailants may have been hired hitmen, as nothing was stolen from the vehicle and the attack was executed with precision. The motive behind the murder remains unclear, but investigators are looking into both professional and personal angles.
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