A top official from the Kenya African National Union (KANU) is among three people arrested in connection with the murder of lawyer Matthew Kyalo Mbobu, who was shot dead along Magadi Road on Tuesday.
Investigators are exploring all leads, with the suspects believed to hold critical information that could help solve the high-profile killing.
The three individuals, first questioned on Thursday, are being held at separate police stations across Nairobi.
KANU Secretary General George Wainaina, who reportedly shared lunch with Mbobu on the day of the shooting, is among them.
He was initially taken to Kileleshwa Police Station before being rushed to hospital for treatment.
“There is an active investigation that is going on and it’s not only him. We have been told it is a homicide investigation but we don’t know which one,” Wainaina’s lawyer Maulid Musa said.
Musa also confirmed that some cash was recovered during the arrest, adding, “He was arrested at his home but I cannot confirm the amount, but I can say it is his legitimate money.”
The other two suspects, who were also present at the lunch meeting and reportedly close friends of Mbobu, are being held at Kilimani and Capitol Hill Police Stations.
Authorities have not yet clarified the precise role of the suspects, but police believe they could be key to tracing the gunman and the motorcycle rider who carried out the attack.
Preliminary police investigations suggest that the killing may be linked to an undisclosed sum of money Mbobu allegedly owed certain individuals. Some of the suspects have claimed to be close friends of the lawyer. Authorities have recovered substantial amounts of cash from the suspects’ homes, using money-counting machines as part of the probe.
The murder has sparked outrage within Kenya’s legal community and the wider public. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) submitted a formal petition to Inspector General Douglas Kanja demanding a thorough and transparent investigation.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo said, “We want periodic updates, we want to see the culprits in court.” Senior Counsel Philip Murgor added, “The police in this republic have a lot of resources and can bring the perpetrators in a short time.”
Hundreds of lawyers staged a peaceful march from Milimani Law Courts to Town House, where Mbobu’s office was located, observing a moment of silence and offering prayers in his memory.
“This killing brings into question several things. Recently, a Member of Parliament was killed. It raises questions on how gun control is managed in our country,” Odhiambo noted.
Wiper leader and Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka also condemned the killing, emphasizing that Mbobu’s death represents a broader concern for public safety.
“We are saying Kyalo represents other Kenyans who have fallen, be it by police or hitmen on motorcycles. We are concerned about every other Kenyan, not just lawyers,” Kalonzo said.
Similar demonstrations were held in Machakos and Kisii, highlighting the growing anxiety over rising insecurity.
West Kenya Region LSK Chair Winnie Mirieri added, “We condemn the act of shooting and pray that the perpetrators are brought to book. This is a threat to those who seek justice for others.”
Mbobu, who was driving along Magadi Road, was shot at least eight times at close range, killing him instantly.
Police continue to search for the gunman, the motorcycle rider, and other persons of interest who may shed light on the circumstances surrounding the murder.
