The court granted detectives 15 days to hold four suspects in the investigation into lawyer Mathew Mbobu’s killing.
Detectives sought 30 days to complete forensic tests, analyse digital evidence and trace other people suspected of involvement in the lawyer’s killing.
A Nairobi court has allowed detectives to hold four suspects for another 15 days as investigations into the killing of lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu continue.
Chief Magistrate Gethi Kibiru granted part of the 30-day detention period requested by the DCI and ODPP.
The suspects are Julius Cheruiyot, Nicholas Lemiso Naula, Noah Kipkirui Langat and Kennedy Kipkemei.
Detectives arrested the suspects during an intelligence-led operation as investigators widened the probe into Mbobu’s killing.
Detectives Outline Suspected Roles
Investigators allege that Cheruiyot, a police officer, was the suspected gunman in the shooting.
The DCI said ballistic tests linked a recovered firearm to cartridges and a bullet recovered during the investigation.
Lemiso is alleged to have provided transport to the suspected gunman before and after the shooting.
Investigators also allege that Langat tracked Mbobu’s movements before the attack.
Kipkemei is accused of helping plan the killing and allegedly meeting other people suspected of involvement.
The allegations have not been tested in a criminal trial.
Forensic and Digital Evidence
Detectives told the court they need more time to complete forensic examinations and analyse digital evidence.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, call-data records, mobile phones and other material recovered during the operation.
They also plan to conduct additional searches at locations linked to the suspects.
The investigation follows the September 9, 2025 shooting of Mbobu along Magadi Road in Nairobi.
The lawyer was driving towards his Karen home when two attackers on a motorcycle allegedly ambushed him.
Property Dispute Among Investigative Leads
Detectives are also examining a possible property dispute as one line of inquiry.
Investigators told the court that Mbobu had represented Professor David Musyimi Ndetei in a land dispute before the Machakos Environment and Land Court.
The probe also comes as investigators examine possible links between Mbobu’s killing and the July 2026 murder of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso.
Detectives said releasing the suspects could create risks of witness interference or evidence tampering.
They also want time to trace other people suspected of involvement who remain at large.
The four suspects will remain in custody for the court-approved 15 days as detectives work to complete their investigations.
