Prominent Nairobi lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu was shot dead on Tuesday evening, September 9, along Lang’ata Road by a masked assailant who escaped on a motorcycle. His death shocked Kenya’s legal community and sparked a wave of public debate after Kenyans revisited one of his books, The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya, which features a crime scene illustration on its cover. Many questioned whether the cover art now feels like a chilling premonition of his violent end.
How Did Kenyans React to Kyalo Mbobu’s Book?
Following news of his death, tributes poured in, but many were drawn to the haunting symbolism of his book cover. Lawyer Wahome Thuku wrote: “The illustration on Mbobu’s book would be mistaken for the very scene where he has been shot and killed this evening. Sad.”
Baba Zuri added: “Law of Evidence guru! City lawyer died as an accomplished man! He had seen it all! Mtu anisaidie hii kitabu yake nisome as a way of paying last respect.”
Douglas Orang’i questioned, “Lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu’s book cover looks like a premonition. Who wanted the city lawyer dead?”
Another user, OnemanJakom, highlighted the irony: “This is his own book cover… a haunting imagery depicting a crime scenenow eerily reflecting the violent end he’s met. Life can be so unpredictable.”
What Is Kyalo Mbobu’s Book About?
Mbobu’s book delves into the technicalities of evidence in law, covering hearsay and its exceptions, estoppel, illegally obtained or digital evidence, courtroom procedures, admissibility, burden of proof, and witness examination. He stressed that material collected at a crime scene is only admissible if its connection to the alleged offence can be proven. Those very principles will now apply in the investigation into his killing.
Who Was Mathew Kyalo Mbobu?
Mbobu was a seasoned advocate with 29 years of legal practice. He served as chairperson of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal and was a member of the Business Rent Premises Tribunal. He also partnered at Kyalo and Associates Advocates, where he led a team in commercial litigation, and served as a board member of the Institute of Directors (IOD) Kenya.
His sudden death leaves a deep void in Kenya’s legal industry. The eerie connection between his book and the circumstances of his murder has only deepened the public’s reflection on his legacy, as the legal system he devoted his life to now seeks justice in his case.
By Risper Akinyi
