Outrage as Prominent City Lawyer Dies After Brutal Torture by Unknown Assailants

The Kenyan legal fraternity is mourning the death of prominent advocate Tom Imbukwa, who succumbed to injuries after a brutal assault by unknown attackers in Nairobi.

Imbukwa, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, was reportedly found with severe injuries near Harambee Sacco on Sunday, April 19 2025, before being rushed to the hospital.

He was later referred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.

Advocate Tom Imbukwa Dies After Brutal Torture by Uknown Assailants

According to his brother, Mical Imbukwa, the family received a distressing call informing them that a man matching the lawyer’s description had been found badly injured.

“A person has been found here at Harambee Sacco with serious injuries, and he mentioned that you are his relative. Do you know Thomas Ouya?” Mical Imbukwa recounted.

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He stated that he later received photos confirming the injured person was his brother.

Medical examinations revealed the extent of the injuries. Imbukwa had suffered multiple fractures, including five broken ribs, severe chest injuries, internal bleeding, and a badly damaged right eye.

Further scans showed that blood and air had accumulated in his lungs, necessitating urgent medical intervention.

Doctors performed a procedure to drain blood from his lungs and admitted him to the High Dependency Unit (HDU). For a brief moment after the procedure, he regained consciousness and was able to speak.

“I asked him whether he could see me and he said he could. I asked him who I was and he said, ‘si wewe ni Mical,’” his brother narrated.

However, his condition later deteriorated. Doctors recommended transfer to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), but a bed was not immediately available. As his oxygen levels dropped, the family agreed to have him placed in a life support machine in a bid to stabilise his breathing.

Despite the efforts, the lawyer went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly after attempts to resuscitate him failed.

His brother expressed anger and frustration over the incident, noting that it appeared the lawyer was attacked elsewhere and dumped at the scene where he was found.

“The police said there was very little blood at the site, implying he was assaulted from somewhere else and brought there,” he said.

LSK Calls for Swift Investigations Following the Murder of the Lawyer

The killing has sparked outrage within the legal community, with colleagues calling for swift investigations and justice.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama urged investigative agencies to conduct thorough and credible inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Imbukwa’s death.

“Our colleague was assaulted, tortured, and murdered by unknown persons. The circumstances surrounding Tom’s death demand our unequivocal condemnation and immediate action,” said Kanjama.

Lawyer Peter Wanyama described the incident as shocking and called for urgent action by detectives.

“The murder of advocate Ouya Imbukwa at Harambee Sacco is utterly shocking. There is an urgent need for an investigation by the DCI’s Homicide Unit. It is essential that the perpetrators are identified, arrested, and charged accordingly,” he said.

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Vihiga County Assembly Speaker Chris Omulele also mourned the lawyer, sending condolences to the family.

“It is with profound sorrow that I have learned of the passing of my brother and son, Wakili Tom Ouya Imbukwa. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of my dear friend, Mwalimu Josphat Imbukwa. May God grant you strength and comfort during this difficult time,” he said.

Imbukwa was a respected member of the bar. He earned his law degree from Makerere University in Uganda before proceeding to the Kenya School of Law for the Advocates Training Programme. He was admitted to the bar in 2013.

Family, friends, and colleagues described him as a dedicated advocate, loving brother, and son whose life was cut short in a tragic and violent attack.

Police have launched investigations into the incident, but no arrests have been made so far.

His death comes months after the killing of another lawyer, Charles Kyalo Mbobu who was assassinated along Magadi Road, near the Galleria Mall at 7:30 p.m., while he was driving home and reportedly stuck in traffic.

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