Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome has issued a statement on the shooting of advocate and former Chairperson of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) Kyalo Mbobu.

In a statement on September 10, CJ Koome said the Judiciary has received the news with profound shock and deep sadness.

“On behalf of the Judiciary, the Judicial Service Commission, and on my own behalf, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, students, and to the entire legal fraternity on this immense loss to the profession and to our nation,” CJ Koome.

CJ Koome said she had the privilege of being Mbobu’s classmate at the University of Nairobi and later at the Kenya School of Law.

She described Mbobu as a humble, generous, and professional person in all his dealings as an advocate.

Kyalo Mbobu Career

CJ Koome said Mbobu’s life reflected the finest traditions of the Bar, anchored in service, fairness, and commitment to justice.

Mbobu was the Chairperson of the PPDT between November 2013 and November 2019, and previously as a member of the PPDT between January and November 2013.

Koome said Mbobu steered the Tribunal through one of the most dynamic and challenging periods in Kenya’s democracy.

The CJ credited Mbobu for making PPDT become a respected forum for the impartial and timely resolution of political disputes, thereby strengthening our democratic governance and affirming the rule of law in the conduct of political parties.

CJ Koome Calls for Urgent Action

Koome stated that Mbobu discharged his mandate with distinction, fairness, and a deep sense of justice.

“The brutal murder of such a distinguished jurist and scholar is not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a grievous assault on the values of justice, democracy, and the rule of law that he so faithfully upheld,” CJ Koome.

CJ Koome has called upon Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to pursue all leads and ensure Mbobu’s killers are expeditiously brought to justice.

He also urged security agencies to strengthen measures that guarantee the safety and security of all citizens, especially in light of the growing concerns over gangland-style killings.

“The murder of Mbobu, following so soon after the similar killing of the late Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Ong’ondo Were, raises grave security concerns that must be urgently addressed,” she said.

CJ Koome said Kenyans should not only mourn the tragic loss of Mbobu but also celebrate a life of service, scholarship, and mentorship that touched many lives and left an indelible mark on Kenya’s legal landscape.

“May the Almighty grant comfort to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time, and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.

Academic Contribution

Beyond his service at the Tribunal, Mbobu was an accomplished academic and mentor.

CJ Koome said he imparted knowledge to countless students in the areas of legal practice, and alternative dispute resolution as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi School of Law and the Kenya School of Law.

“Many members of the current Bar and Bench passed through his hands, benefiting from his wisdom, generosity of spirit, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal minds. His scholarly contribution through his much-cited book The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya enriched our jurisprudence and remains a foundational text for both practitioners and students of law,” CJ Koome.

A past photo of City lawyer Kyalo Mbombu. PHOTO/UGC.