Kyalo Mbobu. PHOTO/@FaithOdhiambo8/X
The legal fraternity and academic community in Kenya continue to mourn the loss of Kyalo Mbobu, a towering figure in law, an impassioned teacher, and a mentor to generations of lawyers.
His tragic killing in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, has left a deep wound in the hearts of many who knew him not just for his intellectual rigour, but for his unwavering commitment to justice and education.
According to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, Mbobu, was fatally shot by unknown assailants in a drive-by attack before the attackers sped off on a motorcycle.
Among those who paid tribute was Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma, who shared a deeply personal message.
“I am shocked at the killing of my teacher and friend, Kyalo Mbobu. A top-notch lawyer and lecturer of law, Prof. Kyalo taught me the Law of Evidence,” Kaluma said.
Who is Kyalo Mbobu?
His career spanned nearly three decades, during which he served as an advocate, academic, and governance leader.
He previously chaired the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT), where he presided over high-stakes nomination disputes and intra-party wrangles.
The tribunal, established under the Political Parties Act of 2011, plays a critical role in resolving disputes arising from party primaries, coalition agreements, and internal contests.
He was active in the 2017 elections at the PPDT.
As chair, Mbobu earned respect for steering the tribunal through tense election seasons, offering aggrieved aspirants a fair legal avenue to challenge contested nominations.
His leadership was widely credited with strengthening the tribunal’s credibility as a pillar of Kenya’s democratic process.
Beyond his tribunal work, Mbobu was a senior partner at Kyalo & Associates Advocates, a firm specialising in commercial litigation, arbitration, and corporate law.
He also left a lasting imprint on academia.
Teacher at heart?
He lectured at the University of Nairobi School of Law and the Kenya School of Law, training hundreds of students in law, governance, and dispute resolution.
Mbobu’s expertise extended into corporate governance. He served as a board member of the Institute of Directors Kenya and chaired Quest Holdings Limited and Core Capital Group Limited.
Mbobu was more than just an accomplished lawyer; he was first and foremost a teacher, a mentor, and a guide. His lectures on the Law of Evidence, Constitutional Law, and Legal Ethics were legendary across several Kenyan law schools, most notably at the University of Nairobi and the Kenya School of Law.
The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya, one of his top written works, is a 411-page volume, covers key principles such as admissibility, burden of proof, witness testimony, confessions, and documentary evidence.
The book, widely used in law schools, simplified complex legal concepts and became an essential reference for advocates, judges, and students alike.
Legal scholars have hailed it as one of the most comprehensive and accessible works on evidence law in Kenya.
Through his practice, teaching, and writing, Mbobu cemented his place as a thought leader in Kenya’s legal fraternity.
Students often recalled his sharp mind, Socratic method of teaching, and his insistence that the law must always serve justice.
His impact extended beyond the classroom. He was known to take a keen interest in the personal and professional development of his students, many of whom rose to prominent positions in the judiciary, academia, and public service.
Advocate of the High Court
As an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya for over three decades, Mbobu built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and fearless advocacy. He specialised in constitutional law, civil litigation, and public interest cases.
His courtroom demeanour was marked by clarity, precision, and a calm but forceful presence that commanded respect from the bench and bar alike.
He represented clients in some of the most high-profile and complex cases in Kenya’s recent legal history, and his arguments often helped shape jurisprudence in key areas of constitutional interpretation and civil liberties.
Yet, despite his accolades, Mbobu remained deeply grounded. He often emphasised that the practice of law was not about prestige but about service. In legal forums and bar association meetings, he advocated tirelessly for judicial reform, access to justice, and the strengthening of the rule of law. By