The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has arrested a serving police officer, Julius Cheruiyot, in connection with the murder of prominent lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu. Mbobu was shot dead on September 9, 2025, while driving home along Magadi Road in Nairobi. The DCI announced the arrest on September 24, 2026, stating that Cheruiyot is suspected of being the gunman who carried out the fatal shooting.
Investigators retrieved a Ceska pistol that had been officially issued to Cheruiyot at the time of the incident. Forensic ballistic examination confirmed the weapon was used in the killing, providing a significant breakthrough in the evidentiary trail being assembled against the suspect. The DCI stated that the recovery of the pistol and subsequent ballistic tests were crucial in identifying Cheruiyot as the prime suspect.
Lawyer Mbobu was targeted in what detectives established was a deliberate attack as he made his way home from work. Specialised homicide and forensic teams spent the past year reconstructing the circumstances surrounding his death. The investigation revealed that Mbobu's murder was a premeditated act, and the DCI is working to determine the full motive, planning, and execution of the killing.
The DCI further revealed that Inspector Kenneth Sang is suspected of having coordinated the operation and is currently at large. Sang allegedly acted in liaison with Rose Mbithe, who is already in custody in connection with a separate but related matter — the murder of Victoria Nthunya Mutiso. The DCI confirmed that Cheruiyot remains in custody and is being processed ahead of his arraignment in court.
The directorate stated it would pursue all individuals suspected of involvement in the murder, regardless of their rank or affiliation. The DCI extended its condolences to the families of both Lawyer Mbobu and Mutiso, acknowledging the pain endured by their loved ones while assuring them that all those responsible would be brought before the law.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions approved murder charges against all four suspects following the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Mutiso, who was the former Director of the African Institute of Mental and Brain Health, was a practising psychiatrist at the time of her death. She had reported threats to her life at Kilimani Police Station, just two weeks before her fatal shooting.
The DCI assured the public that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the crimes and to ensure that justice is served. The arrest of Police Constable Julius Cheruiyot marks a significant milestone in the case, and the DCI is committed to bringing all perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- Police constable Julius Cheruiyot arrested over murder of lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu.
- Ceska pistol linked to shooting through ballistic tests.
- Inspector Kenneth Sang suspected of coordinating the operation, remains at large.
