The brutal killing of Nairobi city lawyer Kyalo Mbobu in a drive-by shooting in Karen has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice across Kenya's legal fraternity. Mbobu was fatally shot on Wednesday evening along Magadi Road by two assailants riding a motorbike. Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, who conducted an autopsy on September 11, 2025, confirmed that Mbobu died from excessive bleeding and spinal injuries after being hit by eight bullets, mostly from the right side of his body, with two bullets recovered.

In response to the tragic event, lawyers nationwide staged peaceful protests, dubbed the "Purple Ribbon March." In the capital, advocates marched from the Milimani Law Courts to Vigilance House, where they presented their grievances directly to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. Similar demonstrations were held in Kisumu and by lawyers from the lower Eastern region, including Ukambani, all demanding a swift and transparent investigation into Mbobu's murder.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has unequivocally condemned the killing, viewing it as a direct attack on the legal profession. LSK President Faith Odhiambo emphasized the urgency for the government to act with speed, expressing alarm over a recent troubling rise in high-profile shootings, including that of a Member of Parliament, which she said raised serious questions about gun control in the country. The LSK's demands include a speedy and transparent investigation, regular public updates from the police, and enhanced protection for advocates handling sensitive cases.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that persons of interest in Mbobu's murder have been identified and are currently undergoing interrogation. Speaking during a regional security tour in Migori County, Murkomen expressed optimism that leads would emerge "in a very short time" and urged the public to provide any helpful information to investigators. The Director of Public Prosecutions has also ordered IG Kanja to submit a comprehensive report on the investigation within seven days.

Amidst the ongoing probe, lawyers from the Ukambani region, led by James Kathili, have called for an end to "careless speculations" regarding the motive behind Mbobu's murder. Advocate Richard Matata, an advocate of the High Court, noted that the killing appeared to be carried out by "competent murderers" and voiced concern that if Mbobu's legal work was the motive, it would be a cause for worry for the entire profession. Kathili specifically criticized media reports detailing the late lawyer's struggles with debts, questioning the timing of such stories and suggesting that whoever released them could be a person of interest.

Veteran lawyer Bernard Mung’ata echoed these sentiments, terming Mbobu's murder not only a profound blow to the legal fraternity but also a significant threat to the administration of justice itself. He urged police to exhaust all avenues to bring the perpetrators to book and advised Mbobu's family and colleagues to remain extremely vigilant to ensure thorough investigations. The motive behind the killing remains officially unclear as investigations continue.