Machakos-based lawyers want the public to avoid speculation
Lawyers outside Machakos law courts where they condemned the murder of Lawyer Kyalo Mbobu. Photo/Gastone Valusi
The legal fraternity in Machakos has urged the public to avoid speculation over the motive behind the killing of lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, warning that rumours risk derailing the ongoing investigation.
Lawyers who gathered outside Machakos Law Courts on Friday during the Purple Ribbon March joined colleagues across the country in condemning the murder and demanding urgent arrests.
Senior Counsel Richard Matata said the profession has been shaken by the loss of a lawyer from their region, but stressed that linking the killing to debts or other unverified claims was harmful.
“We send our condolences to the family of our late colleague Kyalo Mbobu who comes from this region, so he is one of us. Speculation must stop. If he owed money, we are all in debts, but that cannot be a reason to lose a life,” Mr Matata said.
Mr James Kathili said the timing of media reports on the advocate’s alleged debts appeared suspicious.
“No one has a right to take someone’s life. If it is true he owed debts, then those who loaned him should be treated as persons of interest. Investigators, not rumours, should decide the truth,” he said.
Another advocate, Mr Raphael Nzioka, described the murder as “barbaric” and called Mbobu’s legacy a source of inspiration.
“On behalf of my family I offer my deepest condolences … I pray God gives them strength in this difficult time,” he said.
Meanwhile, the investigation has gathered pace with several suspects already in custody, among them a senior official.
Detectives have recovered a large sum of cash during house searches and are probing possible financial links to the killing.
An autopsy confirmed that Mbobu was shot eight times and died from severe bleeding, with two bullets recovered from his body.
Pathologists said the number and nature of the wounds pointed to clear intent to kill.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has since directed the Inspector General of Police to accelerate the probe and submit a full report within seven days.
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