The absence of surveillance cameras along Magadi Road has slowed investigations into the killing of Nairobi lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed.
Murkomen, speaking on Sunday, said detectives have been left with limited leads since there were no CCTV cameras in the area where Mbobu was shot dead. He drew parallels with the case of slain Kasipul MP Ongondo Were, where CCTV footage proved crucial in tracking suspects.
“It is not easy because the area where this incident happened had no CCTV cameras,” Murkomen stated.
Gunmen Escaped on Motorcycle
Mbobu was shot eight times by unidentified gunmen who later fled on a motorcycle. Nearly a week after the brazen daylight killing, no arrests have been made.
Despite the challenges, Murkomen assured that detectives are exploring other leads.
“Because he is a lawyer, of course, the first thing that comes to mind is whether someone was exerting revenge or attacking him by virtue of his professional duties. DCI has interviewed colleagues, family members and is reviewing various information,” the CS added.
New DCI Homicide Team Takes Over
A fresh team from the Homicide Unit of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has now taken over the probe.
Meanwhile, three men who had been arrested in connection with the murder—George Wainaina, a KANU official, his relative Paul Mbugua, and friend Eric Gichuhi—were freed on Saturday after investigators cleared them of involvement. The three had been in custody since Thursday.
Their lawyer, Maulid Bare Musa, criticised the arrests, terming them malicious and unjustified.
“The forensic phone analysis, ballistic examination of the firearm, and independently verified alibis conclusively exonerated the three individuals. Their arrest and detention was malicious, unjustified, and a reckless abuse of police powers,” Musa said.
Sh50 Million Seized During Arrest
Wainaina expressed shock at his arrest, describing it as humiliating, and revealed that detectives stormed his Karen home, seizing Sh50 million from a safe.
“I just wonder why they decided to arrest us in a very embarrassing manner in front of our families without properly doing their investigations,” Wainaina lamented.
He added that police pressured him to disclose details of his business dealings with Mbobu, though he insisted he never engaged in any with the late lawyer.
Focus Shifts to Lawyer’s Business Deals
Investigators now say the probe is centred on the legal matters and business deals Mbobu was handling at the time of his death.
A memorial service will be held today at All Saints Cathedral, ahead of Mbobu’s burial on Wednesday, September 17, at his family home in Mua.
