A solemn air hung over the Law Society of Kenya’s West Kenya Chapter today as its members gathered to address the nation on a matter of grave urgency: the assassination of Senior Counsel Kyalo Mbobu, a towering figure in Kenya’s legal fraternity.
Speaking from Kisumu, Chairperson Grace Otieno delivered a powerful statement that echoed the grief and fury felt across the legal community. “This was not just a murder,” she declared, “it was a calculated hit on a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice in this country.”
Senior Counsel Mbobu’s killing has sent shockwaves through the legal profession, casting a chilling shadow over those who serve as defenders of justice. His death is a stark reminder of the perilous terrain navigated by advocates, especially those handling sensitive cases involving land disputes, corruption, and human rights violations.
Otieno’s voice trembled with conviction as she described the hostile climate in which lawyers now operate. “We face intimidation, harassment, and threats, not just to ourselves, but to our families. Mbobu’s murder proves these threats are not idle. They are real. They are being executed with brazen impunity.”
The Constitution of Kenya enshrines the right to life, and the intentional deprivation of that right is a violation of the very foundation of the nation’s laws. Yet, as Otieno warned, “We cannot deliver justice in an environment of fear. And when justice is compromised, the rights of every Kenyan are at risk.
The Law Society of Kenya is demanding swift and transparent investigations into Mbobu’s assassination. “We call upon the National Police Service to expedite arrests and ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law,” Otieno urged.
Council Member Vincent Githaiga echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration at the lack of progress. “Three days have passed. No arrests. No clarity. We are at a loss. What is being done to bring justice to our colleague?”
Githaiga also conveyed apologies from LSK President Faith Odhiambo, who was unable to attend the Kisumu gathering but is leading parallel efforts in Nairobi. “This is not just a Kisumu issue. It’s a national crisis,” he said.
The tragedy has also reignited concerns about the broader state of security in Kenya. “We are alarmed,” Githaiga continued, “by the rise of armed gangsters roaming Nairobi in broad daylight. Kenya is becoming an increasingly insecure country.”
The Kisumu County security team, led by the County Commissioner, was called upon to implement proactive policing strategies and ensure rapid response to distress calls. “We must restore public confidence,” Otieno emphasized. “The people of Kisumu,and Kenya, deserve to feel safe
While the motive behind Mbobu’s murder remains unclear, the Law Society refuses to ignore the pattern of violence against legal professionals. “We’ve lost too many colleagues,” Githaiga said. “Let this be the last. Let Kyalo Mbobu’s death mark a turning point.”
As the press conference concluded, the message was clear: the Law Society of Kenya stands united in grief, but also in resolve. They will not be silenced. They will not be intimidated. And they will not rest until justice is served, not just for Mbobu, but for every Kenyan whose rights hang in the balance.
