In brief
Kenyan lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu was killed in a drive-by shooting while commuting in Nairobi, prompting widespread shock and condemnation. Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots as the assailant opened fire from a motorcycle. The motive remains unclear, and the Law Society of Kenya has called for immediate investigations, noting the incident resembles previous high-profile assassinations. Mbobu's death raises concerns about the safety of legal practitioners in the country.
Kenya has been left in shock after the killing of a senior lawyer in a drive-by shooting on a busy street in the capital Nairobi.
Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, a respected lawyer and former head of a political parties' dispute tribunal, was driving home on Tuesday evening when a gunman on a motorcycle pulled alongside his vehicle and opened fire. Witnesses on the Lang'ata/Magadi road reported hearing multiple gunshots.
The motive for the attack, which resembles the shocking killing of a lawmaker earlier this year, is unknown. Investigations are under way.
The Law Society of Kenya has described the killing as abhorrent and said the crime must be dealt with swiftly and conclusively.
It expressed concern over threats faced by lawyers, adding that the killing had all markings of a predetermined assassination. LSK president Faith Odhiambo stated, Too often, advocates have been victimised and targeted for the work that they do.
A gruesome video shared online shows a car's shattered window with the bloodied, lifeless body of the lawyer slouched over the steering wheel.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said the cold-blooded killing of Mr Mbobu had left us all devastated and in deep shock. He urged the police to carry out speedy and thorough investigations to uncover those responsible.
In April, Charles Ong'ondo Were, a member of parliament, was shot dead in similar circumstances in a busy road in the capital in a suspected assassination, raising alarms about the safety of public figures.
