By Arch. Dr. D.K. Gitau- The Diaspora Times

Nairobi was last evening shaken by the brutal murder of Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, a distinguished lawyer and former Chairperson of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, who was gunned down in a drive-by shooting near Galleria Mall in Karen South. The shocking incident occurred shortly after dusk, when a lone gunman riding on a motorcycle pulled up alongside Mbobu’s vehicle, fired multiple shots, and sped away, leaving the veteran advocate fatally wounded and the busy road in chaos. Motorists were trapped in gridlock as police cordoned off the area, advising the public to seek alternative routes as investigators began their grim work.

Mbobu was not an ordinary member of the bar; he was a man whose career spanned nearly three decades of service in law, governance, and business. As Senior Partner at Kyalo & Associates Advocates, he earned a reputation for excellence in commercial litigation, arbitration, and corporate governance. He had been entrusted with leadership at the highest levels, including as Chairman of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, where he presided over disputes fundamental to Kenya’s democratic process, and as a Board Member of the Institute of Directors (IOD) Kenya. Beyond the courtroom, he was Chairman of Quest Holdings Ltd and Core Capital Group Ltd, and served as a Trustee of Corat Africa, a testament to his influence across both public and private sectors.

Academically, Mbobu’s credentials were formidable: an LL.B (Hons) from the University of Nairobi, an LL.M from Georgetown University, alongside recognition as a Certified Public Secretary (Kenya) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He was also a mentor, having taught at the University of Nairobi School of Law and the Kenya School of Law, shaping generations of legal practitioners.

The assassination of such a towering figure in Kenya’s legal fraternity has sent shockwaves far beyond the capital. Lawyers, academics, and civil society have expressed outrage at the audacity of the killing and concern about what it portends for the rule of law and the safety of those who serve in sensitive governance positions. While police investigations are underway, questions about the motive and masterminds remain unanswered, fueling public anxiety and renewed calls for stronger protections for legal officers who often stand at the crossroads of justice and politics.

Tonight, Kenya mourns not just the loss of a man, but the silencing of a voice that bridged law, governance, and corporate integrity. The death of Mathew Kyalo Mbobu is a reminder of the dangerous intersection between justice and power, and it marks a dark day for a nation still struggling to reconcile its democratic aspirations with the reality of violence that too often stalks those who dare to lead.

Disclaimer:
This breaking news report is based on information gathered from credible media outlets and preliminary police accounts available at the time of publication. The Diaspora Times does not speculate on the motive, suspects, or ongoing investigations until official confirmation is provided by relevant authorities. The report is intended solely for public information and record, and does not constitute an accusation against any individual or institution.