Prominent Nairobi lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu was on Tuesday evening shot dead in a drive-by attack in Karen, sending shockwaves across the city’s legal and governance circles.
According to police reports, the incident happened shortly after 7:30 p.m. when a gunman riding on a motorcycle pulled alongside Mbobu’s vehicle near Galleria Mall, opened fire, and fled the scene. Eyewitnesses said the assailant escaped within seconds, causing panic among motorists and pedestrians.
The attack brought traffic along the Galleria–Brookhouse stretch towards Ongata Rongai to a standstill, particularly at the 1st Drift bypass, as police cordoned off the area. Motorists were urged to use alternative routes as investigations got underway.
Authorities have not yet established the motive behind the Karen shooting, but detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed a manhunt is underway for the suspect.
Legal Career and Leadership Roles
Mbobu was a distinguished figure in Kenya’s legal profession. The Institute of Directors (IOD) Kenya described him as a seasoned advocate and governance expert with nearly 30 years of practice at the High Court of Kenya.
He was the Senior Partner at Kyalo & Associates Advocates, specialising in commercial litigation, arbitration, and corporate governance. His leadership extended to serving as Chairman of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, a Board Member of IOD Kenya, and a Trustee of Corat Africa.
Beyond the courtroom, Mbobu held top roles in the private sector, chairing Quest Holdings Ltd and Core Capital Group Ltd, where he provided strategic direction and corporate leadership.
Academic and Professional Recognition
Mbobu also had a strong academic footprint, teaching at the University of Nairobi School of Law and the Kenya School of Law. He held a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) with Honours and a Master of Laws (LL.M) from Georgetown University in the United States.
A Certified Public Secretary of Kenya and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, he was internationally recognised for his expertise in arbitration and mediation.
Shock and Condolences
The death of lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu has sparked grief in Kenya’s legal fraternity, with colleagues describing him as a mentor and a pillar of governance. His killing in the Karen drive-by shooting has raised fresh concerns about rising insecurity targeting high-profile professionals in Nairobi.
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