LSK to hold Purple Ribbon march in solidarity over lawyer Mbobu’s killing

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) will on Friday hold a countrywide Purple Ribbon March in solidarity and protest against the killing of lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu.

According to a notice dated September 10, the march will begin at 9 am.

“In Nairobi, the peaceful procession will converge at the Milimani Law Courts and walk through Kenyatta Avenue to Vigilance House, where a memorandum, with all our grievances, will be presented to the Inspector General of Police,” the notice reads in part.

Further, in collaboration with the Branch Caucus, the Purple Ribbon March will also be observed across all eight LSK Branches, countrywide.

“Members are encouraged to attend and participate in the march and don the purple ribbon, in honour and solidarity,” LSK urged.

LSK has condemned Mbobu’s shooting, describing it as a “heinous act of violence”.

It noted that the safety and protection of all Advocates is paramount and central to the independence of the legal profession.

“This incident and other acts of violence, intimidation and retribution against Advocates of the High Court of Kenya represent a damning test to the administration of Justice,” the Society said.

LSK observed that the effective discharge of the constitutional functions of Advocates requires an environment that facilitates autonomy to work without fear of persecution.

The Society described Mbobu as “a distinguished member and a dedicated patriot, who has left an indelible mark on his legacy”.

It condoled with the family of Mbobu, friends, colleagues and the entire legal fraternity.

“We stand in solidarity during this difficult time and reaffirm our commitment to pursue justice, accountability and the protection of members of our profession,” LSK said.

Mbobu, who was also a former head of a political party's dispute tribunal, was driving home on Tuesday, September 9 evening, when a gunman on a motorcycle pulled alongside his vehicle and opened fire.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots.

An autopsy showed that the lawyer was shot eight times, which led to his death.

Chief government pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor said Mbobu died from severe injuries and overbleeding.

He said the pathologists present recovered two bullets that were lodged in Mbobu’s chest below the arm.

“His spine was severely injured, and most of the bullets had entry and exit apart from the two bullets we have recovered,” Oduor said.

"We can say he died from severe bleeding,” he said.

Investigations into the killing are ongoing, with police having interviewed several witnesses.

Director of DCI Mohamed Amin, in the meantime, appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigations to report to the nearest police station, #FichuKwaDCI toll-free number 0800 722 203 or forward the information confidentially to the DCI through Whatsapp number 0709 570 000.