A prominent Kenyan lawyer, Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, was killed in a drive-by shooting on a busy Nairobi road on Tuesday evening, leaving the legal community and political leaders in shock.
Police said a gunman on a motorcycle pulled alongside Mr. Mbobu's vehicle on the Lang'ata/Magadi Road and opened fire as he was driving home. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots. A video shared on social media showed the car's shattered window and the bloodied, lifeless body of the lawyer slumped over the steering wheel. Authorities have opened an investigation but had not, as of the latest reports, released details on suspects or a motive.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) described the killing as "abhorrent" and urged swift and conclusive action. LSK president Faith Odhiambo said the attack bore "all markings of a predetermined assassination" and expressed alarm at threats faced by legal practitioners, saying, "Too often, advocates have been victimised and targeted for the work that they do."
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi called the killing "cold-blooded" and said it had "left us all devastated and in deep shock," adding that the police were expected to carry out "speedy and thorough investigations to unearth the reason and culprits behind this heinous crime and ensure justice is served."
The killing bears similarities to the April killing of Charles Ong'ondo Were, a member of parliament who was shot dead on a busy Nairobi road in what police then described as a suspected targeted and predetermined assassination. Following that attack, authorities arrested several suspects and charged some of them. Investigators in the current case have said inquiries are under way, but have not indicated whether the incidents are linked.
Mr. Mbobu was a respected lawyer and had served as head of a political parties' dispute tribunal. His death has intensified concern among legal and political circles about the safety of those involved in public and political life. The LSK reiterated calls for greater protection for lawyers and for perpetrators of violence against legal professionals to be brought to justice.
Kenyan authorities have in past cases said they are committed to investigating political and high-profile killings thoroughly. Prosecutors secured charges in several cases following the April killing of the lawmaker, but public unease remains after successive shootings on busy city roads.
Investigations into Mr. Mbobu's killing are continuing. Police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward, and national and professional bodies are monitoring the inquiry. No arrests had been announced publicly by the time of the latest reports.