The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to provide a comprehensive update on investigations into the killing of prominent lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu.
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, the ODPP directed the National Police Service (NPS) to fast-track investigations into the matter and submit a status update within a week.
"Accordingly, the DPP has directed the Inspector General of Police to fast-track investigations into this incident and to submit a comprehensive status update to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions within seven (7) days for review and further action," the statement read in part.
While acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the DPP pointed out the need for urgency in the matter.
"While welcoming the Director of Criminal Investigations' (DCI) commitment to securing justice, the DPP has called for an expedited investigation to ensure all critical evidence is identified, collected, and preserved in strict accordance with the law," the statement continued.
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At the same time, the ODPP expressed shock and grief over the fatal shooting of Mbobu, who was killed in a drive-by incident in Karen, Nairobi.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) joins the legal fraternity and all Kenyans in mourning the untimely and tragic killing of Mr. Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, who was fatally shot in a drive-by incident in Karen, Nairobi,” the statement further read.
The ODPP conveyed its sympathy to those closest to the slain lawyer, noting his contribution to the legal profession.
“The DPP extends deepest condolences to Mr. Mbobu's family, friends, colleagues, and the broader legal community.
"His distinguished career spanned academia, public service, and private practice, and his exemplary leadership greatly shaped the teaching and practice of the Law of Evidence in Kenya," the statement added.
The ODPP also urged members of the public to play their part in assisting law enforcement.
“The ODPP echoes the DCI's appeal for members of the public with any information relevant to this case to come forward and share it with law enforcement agencies without delay,” the statement concluded.
Earlier Thursday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that detectives investigating the killing of Nairobi lawyer Kyalo Mbobu have made progress and already identified persons of interest.
He said authorities were working closely with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
"Being in a position of responsibility, and we have been in touch with the DCI since this issue occurred. I am happy to note that progress has been made: some persons of interest have already been identified, they are being interrogated, and many others will also be sought. I pray that the DCI will be successful," he said.
Murkomen also commended members of the public who have provided crucial leads, adding that citizen cooperation is vital in resolving the case.
"We thank the eyewitnesses who were at the scene and have already come forward, as well as many other Kenyans of goodwill who are providing information to the DCI. I encourage more Kenyans to step forward and assist in the process.
"Anyone who knows anything related to this heinous act should come out, because it is in the interest of both the security sector and the people of Kenya that the truth comes out and we fully understand what happened in this situation," he added.
