The Director of Public Prosecutions in Kenya has approved murder charges against five suspects in the case of city lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, who was killed last year. The suspects include Rose Mbithe Mulwa, her children Chris Mulwa and Angela Mulwa, and police constables Julius Kipkoech Cheruiyot and Kennedy Kipkemei Borbor. They are accused of murdering Mbobu on September 9, 2025, along Magadi Road near Brookhouse International School.
According to the authorities, the five suspects were formally charged after the DPP's approval. Police constables Kipkoech and Borbor were presented before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Kibera High Court, but they did not take a plea. The judge ordered that they undergo mental assessments at Mbagathi Hospital to determine their fitness to stand trial.
In addition to the police officers, Rose Mulwa and her two children, who are being held at Lang’ata Women’s Prison and Nairobi Remand Prison respectively, are also set to appear in court. The judge directed that they be produced in court, and all five suspects are expected to take their pleas on October 27, 2026, when the mental assessment reports are expected to be presented.
Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, a renowned lawyer, university lecturer, and author, was shot dead at about 5:30 pm as he drove home from work. An autopsy established that he had suffered eight gunshot wounds to the chin, neck, and chest, causing fatal internal injuries and severe bleeding. The killing of Mbobu sent shockwaves through the Kenyan legal community and beyond.
The case has garnered significant attention due to the prominence of the victim and the alleged involvement of high-profile individuals. Rose Mulwa, a politician, and her children are among those accused of participating in the murder. The police officers involved are also facing charges, highlighting the complexities and challenges in addressing violence and accountability within the country's law enforcement.
As the case progresses, it is expected to draw further scrutiny and public interest. The legal proceedings will likely involve extensive examination of the evidence and testimonies. The involvement of a politician and her family members, alongside police officers, adds layers of complexity to the investigation and trial.
The approval of murder charges by the DPP marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for Mbobu's family and the broader community. The case underscores the importance of accountability and the rule of law in addressing violent crimes, particularly those involving individuals in positions of authority or influence.
Key points
- The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved murder charges against five suspects in the killing of lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu.
- The suspects include Rose Mbithe Mulwa, her children Chris Mulwa and Angela Mulwa, and police constables Julius Kipkoech Cheruiyot and Kennedy Kipkemei Borbor.
- The case involves the murder of Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, who was shot dead on September 9, 2025, and suffered eight gunshot wounds.
