Detectives investigating the killing of lawyer Mathew Mbobu have pitched camp at his office in Nairobi, combing through documents they believe may shed light on the motive for his assassination.
The homicide team said the premises could hold critical evidence and spent hours sifting through files in the presence of his staff.
Investigators have already questioned more than 15 people, including colleagues, employees, boda boda operators at the crime scene, bank staff he dealt with, and individuals he met at a restaurant along Jakaya Kikwete Road shortly before he was gunned down on September 9.
They are also scrutinising his account transactions to determine if financial dealings could be linked to his murder.
Mbobu, a former chair of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, was killed in a drive-by shooting along Magadi Road. He was shot at least eight times at close range while driving home. A gunman on a motorcycle fired at him in the neck and chest, leaving him with fatal spinal injuries.
The attacker then jumped back on the motorcycle, which was being ridden by an accomplice, and sped off while shooting in the air to scatter bystanders.
Police revealed that the absence of functional CCTV cameras along Lang’ata and Magadi roads had slowed down the hunt for the killers. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen expressed optimism, however, that the investigation was making progress.
“Because he is a lawyer, of course, the first thing that comes to mind is whether someone was exerting revenge or attacking him by virtue of his professional duties,” Murkomen said. “The DCI has interviewed colleagues, family members and is reviewing various information.”
The CS compared the case to that of slain Kasipul MP Charles Were, where CCTV footage helped trace suspects. “It is not easy because the area where this incident happened had no CCTV cameras,” he said.
Detectives have since released three people earlier held as persons of interest. The murder weapon has not yet been recovered. Investigators are also analysing surveillance footage from other locations to establish if Mbobu was being trailed on the day of his killing.
His final hours show that he began the day with morning prayers at the Holy Family Basilica before heading to his office. Later, he held a three-hour lunch meeting at Sagret Hotel, where he spent Sh3,800 on the bill before leaving around 1.45 pm.
Detectives are relying on his mobile phone data to trace his communications before and after that meeting. He left his office at 5.09 pm, moments before he was fatally attacked.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has directed the Inspector General of Police to fast-track the inquiry and file a detailed status update within seven days.
“The ODPP echoes the DCI’s appeal for members of the public with any relevant information to come forward and share it with law enforcement agencies without delay,” he said.
Mbobu’s family has planned his burial today at his home in Mua, Machakos County, following a memorial service held at St John’s Catholic Church in Karen on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
