Lawyers on Friday, September 12, staged a protest in Nairobi demanding justice following the killing of Lawyer Kyalo Mbobu on Tuesday, September 9.
Led by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, the lawyers marched in solidarity, presenting a petition to the National Police Service (NPS) urging swift investigations and accountability over Mbobu’s death.
In her statement, Odhiambo noted that the protest was both a constitutional right and a collective call for justice.
"Members of the Law Society of Kenya showed up in numbers to express the right under Article 37 of the Constitution to demonstrate over the recent killing of one of our own, Senior Kyalo Mbobu.
"Our resounding call through our public expression and the Petition we presented to the National Police Service is that as we advocate for justice, there must be justice for Advocates. I thank all members for uniting in the common cause for Justice! May Senior Mbobu rest in eternal light," she stated.
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The protest drew wide participation from lawyers across the country, including Senior Counsel Bar (SCB) Chairperson Philip Murgor and Ahmednasir Abdullahi.
The march came barely a day after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) issued a seven-day ultimatum to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to provide a comprehensive update on investigations into Mbobu's killing.
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.
Earlier Thursday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that detectives investigating the matter 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.
