Lawyers Petition IG Over Slaying of Advocate Mbobu Mathew Kyalo
- Hourly NewsWave writer
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
The brutal killing of Advocate Mbobu Mathew Kyalo has prompted the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to petition IG Japhet Koome, demanding urgent and decisive action.
The society warned that the incident is not just a personal tragedy but a grave assault on the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law.
In its petition, the LSK cautioned that Mbobu’s death reflects a disturbing rise in violence and intimidation against lawyers. Unless swift measures are taken, it said, advocates will continue to live in fear while public confidence in the justice system collapses.
The lawyers outlined four major concerns: that such killings threaten advocates’ independence, erode public trust in institutions of justice, perpetuate a culture of impunity, and ultimately weaken the administration of justice.
Accordingly, the LSK urged police to launch a speedy and impartial investigation into the assassination, provide regular public updates on progress, and institute protective measures for lawyers handling sensitive cases.
The society also pressed for tighter firearm controls and long-term security strategies in partnership with the police.
As the petition was being presented, members of the legal fraternity held a Purple Ribbon March in Nairobi to honour the slain advocate and press for justice.
The procession began at Milimani Law Courts and wound its way along Kenyatta Avenue before culminating at Vigilance House, the national police headquarters.
Dressed in black and carrying purple ribbons, lawyers chanted calls for accountability and urged the state to take their security seriously.
The march drew notable figures including LSK President Faith Odhiambo, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, and several senior counsels. Their presence underscored the national significance of the tragedy, extending the call for justice beyond the legal community.
Addressing journalists outside Vigilance House, Odhiambo declared: “Stop killing Kenyans! Justice for all! Accountability to all! We want life!” She cited constitutional guarantees under Articles 26, 28, 29, 48, and 50, reminding police of their duty to safeguard the lives and dignity of all citizens, including advocates.
She further anchored the petition on international frameworks, including the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“Our demand is clear — accountability and protection for advocates so that justice in Kenya is not compromised,” she said.
Mbobu’s killing has plunged his colleagues into mourning and sparked wider debate over the safety of professionals in the justice system. For the legal fraternity, his death serves as a stark warning that without protection for those defending the law, the promise of justice for Kenyans remains fragile.
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