Past Cases Where Lawyers Lost Their Lives
Kenya has witnessed painful losses in the legal profession, where lawyers have been killed in the course of their work. The most striking example is the case of Lawyer Willy Kimani. In 2016, Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda, and their driver Joseph Muiruri were abducted and murdered. The matter was prosecuted in Republic v Leliman & 4 Others [2022] eKLR, where police officers were convicted for the killings. That judgment was a landmark moment that showed the courts could deliver justice even against powerful state actors.
Other cases include lawyers who have faced intimidation and threats, such as in Musyoka & another v Attorney General & 3 others [2019] eKLR, where Advocates who had been harassed in the course of their professional duties sought legal protection.
The lesson from these past cases is that killings or harassment of lawyers strike at the very heart of justice. Advocates act as the bridge between citizens and the courts. When they are targeted, the constitutional promise of access to justice is placed at risk.
The Life and Work of Kyalo Mbobu
Kyalo Mbobu was a senior Advocate with more than thirty years of practice. He also taught law at the University of Nairobi, where he trained and mentored many lawyers. His public service included chairing the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, a role in which he helped shape Kenya’s political and electoral legal space.
To his students, he was a teacher who gave them the tools to practice law. To his colleagues, he was a committed professional whose work touched many parts of the justice system.
How the Tragedy Happened
On the evening of 9 September 2025, Mr. Mbobu was killed in a drive-by shooting by an unknown attacker who escaped on a motorcycle. The news sent shockwaves across the country.
The Law Society of Kenya expressed deep sorrow and called for urgent investigations. Former students and fellow Lawyers described his death as not only a loss to his family but also to the legal profession as a whole.
Why the Killing of Lawyers Affects Everyone
When a Lawyer is killed, it is more than a personal loss. It strikes at the heart of justice. Lawyers stand up for ordinary people in court. If they cannot work freely without fear, the rights of citizens are weakened.
Kenya’s Constitution guarantees every person the right to life and the right to a fair hearing. Lawyers are the bridge through which these rights are protected. When they become targets of violence, it threatens the freedoms of all Kenyans.
The Duty of the Government
The state has a responsibility to protect its people. For lawyers, this is especially important because of their role in holding the system accountable. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations and other agencies must therefore act swiftly and credibly in this case.
Delays or failures in investigating past killings have raised frustration and doubt among the public. This tragedy is a test of whether the state can meet its duty with seriousness and professionalism. Anything less will only erode public confidence further.
Justice Must Be Done
The killers of Lawyer Mbobu must be found and prosecuted. Justice is not only owed to his family but also to the public and the legal profession. If the perpetrators go unpunished, it will send the wrong message that Lawyers can be silenced through violence.
The Law Society of Kenya has demanded action, and Kenyans will be watching closely. A fair and open process will assure citizens that justice still matters in this country.
Final Reflections
The death of Lawyer Kyalo Mbobu is a heavy loss. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a public servant who gave his life to the law. His killing should force Kenya to face the question of how safe Lawyers are and what must change.
Protecting Lawyers is not a privilege for a few. It is essential for the survival of justice. If Lawyers cannot work in safety, then every citizen stands exposed. Justice for Lawyer Mbobu is not just for one man or one profession. It is justice for the whole nation.
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