Shock as Kenyan lawyer killed in drive-by shooting in Nairobi

Many Kenyans are 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”.

“Too often, advocates have been victimised and targeted for the work that they do,” LSK president Faith Odhiambo said in a statement.

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”.

“We expect the police to carry out speedy and thorough investigations to unearth the reason and culprits behind this heinous crime and ensure justice is served,” he said.

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.

Police then said several suspects had been arrested following what appeared to be a “targeted and predetermined” assassination.