The killing of advocate Matthew Kyalo Mbobu has sparked strong condemnation from Kenya’s legal community, which has petitioned the government to take immediate action to safeguard lawyers and protect citizens’ constitutional rights.
During a Purple Ribbon March at Vigilant House on Friday, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo called for accountability from state agencies, warning that continued attacks on legal professionals threaten the public’s access to justice.
"Stop killing Kenyans! Justice for all! Accountability to all! We want life!" Odhiambo declared as she addressed the press.
Odhiambo said the legal fraternity had formally submitted a petition to authorities, urging the state to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect life and guarantee the safety of members of the legal profession.
She highlighted that the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees the right to life under Article 26, dignity under Article 28, and freedom from violence under Article 29. It also ensures access to justice under Article 48 and the right to a fair hearing under Article 50.
"The killing of an advocate not only violates these rights but also denies clients their ability to access justice," she said.
The LSK president reminded the Inspector General of Police of his obligations under the National Police Service Act to protect all citizens, including lawyers, and urged the Law Society of Kenya to intensify efforts to safeguard its members as required by the Law Society Act.
She further cited international instruments ratified by Kenya, including the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, stressing that the state has a duty to guarantee the safety and independence of legal professionals.
The petition demands a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation into Mbobu’s killing, with all perpetrators and accomplices brought to justice.
It also calls for regular public updates on the progress of investigations to reassure both the legal fraternity and the public, alongside urgent protective measures for advocates handling sensitive cases nationwide.
Odhiambo warned that failure by the state to act decisively could undermine the rule of law and erode public confidence in Kenya’s justice system.
