Kyalo Mbobu murder probe: KANU SG George Wainaina among three suspects arrested

Three people, including KANU party Secretary General George Wainaina, have been arrested in connection with the killing of lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, who was shot dead along Magadi Road on Tuesday.

For the second consecutive day, detectives investigating the assassination of advocate Mbobu interrogated three persons of interest believed to hold crucial information that could help unravel the mystery behind his killing.

The three, who were first questioned on Thursday, are currently being held at various police stations within Nairobi.

Wainaina was reportedly among those who had lunch with the deceased on the day he was shot.

The other two individuals, reportedly close friends of the late advocate and present during the same lunch-hour meeting, are being held separately at Kilimani and Capitol Hill Police Stations, respectively.

The KANU SG’s lawyer, while confirming the arrest, stated that his client was picked as a person of interest. Wainaina was taken to Kileleshwa Police Station after he was grilled, but suddenly rushed to the 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,” said Wainaina’s lawyer Maulid Musa.

While investigators remain tight-lipped about the three suspects’ exact role, they believe the individuals could be key to tracing the gunman and the motorcycle rider who fled after the shooting.

Wainaina’s lawyer confirmed his arrest and acknowledged that some cash was recovered.

“He was arrested at his home but I cannot confirm the amount, but I can say it is his legitimate money,” Musa noted.

The ongoing investigation comes amid mounting public pressure and growing concern within the legal fraternity.

On Friday, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) submitted a formal petition to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, demanding a swift, transparent, and thorough probe into Mbobu’s murder.

“We want periodic updates, we want to see the culprits in court,” LSK President Faith Odhiambo said.

Senior Counsel Philip Murgor added, “The police in this republic have a lot of resources and can bring the perpetrators in a short time.”

In a peaceful protest that began at the Milimani Law Courts, hundreds of lawyers marched through the streets of Nairobi, stopping at Town House where the late Mbobu’s office was located, for prayers and a moment of silence in his honour.

“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,” said Odhiambo.

Wiper leader and Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka on his part said: “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.”

Similar demonstrations were held in various parts of the country, including Machakos and Kisii, where legal practitioners expressed concern over the rising insecurity and called for urgent government action to curb the trend.

“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,” stated West Kenya Region LSK Chair Winnie Mirieri.

“Advocates for justice. Justice for advocates”: This is the rallying cry from the legal fraternity as they demand swift and decisive action following the murder of their colleague, Mathew Kyalo Mbobu.