Mbobu Murder: DCI Investigates Lawyer’s Financial Records

Detectives are investigating the financial dealings and recent interactions of Nairobi lawyer Kyalo Mbobu, who was shot dead on Magadi Road last Tuesday in what police believe was a targeted attack.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), through its homicide unit, is pursuing several lines of inquiry, including a forensic audit of Mr Mbobu’s bank accounts and interviews with individuals he spoke to shortly before his death. The 46-year-old lawyer, known for handling large-scale land transactions, was attacked by two gunmen on a motorcycle while driving home alone. 

He sustained eight gunshot wounds and died at the scene. It remains unclear whether both attackers fired weapons. Detectives have requested banking records from multiple financial institutions after documents were recovered from Mr Mbobu’s office on Kaunda Street. Among the files was a letter confirming a commitment to transfer Sh97 million to a Pan-African church group he represented in a property deal. 

Investigators believe this financial link could help establish whether the killing was connected to disputes over money or unsettled obligations. Seven individuals who had recent contact with Mr Mbobu are currently assisting police with statements. They include directors of a company previously involved in a legal dispute with him. 

While none have been labelled suspects, investigators say the statements are crucial to piecing together the lawyer’s final hours. Mr Mbobu is known to have communicated with at least 15 people on the day of the shooting, some of whom met him in person, while others spoke to him by phone.

Ballistics experts are examining shell casings found at the scene and bullets recovered during a post-mortem led by government pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor. Police aim to determine whether the weapon used in the attack has been involved in other crimes.

CCTV footage from buildings in the city centre and traffic surveillance along Magadi Road is also being reviewed. Detectives hope to track the movements of the motorcycle used in the getaway and identify the suspects.

Three men arrested shortly after the shooting were released over the weekend due to lack of evidence. They include a close friend and neighbour who had met Mr Mbobu at Sagret Hotel hours before the murder. Also released were a Kanu-linked politician and his nephew, who were at the same hotel for an unrelated meeting.

Police confirmed that the politician was found with a large amount of cash during a search. His lawyer, Musa Maulid, said the money was legally obtained and expects it will be returned after verification.

Mr Mbobu’s killing has raised concerns within legal and political circles, particularly around the risks faced by professionals involved in high-value land deals. The ongoing investigation is expected to explore possible links between the murder and broader issues in the property and legal sectors.