The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a police officer over the killing of renowned lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu which occurred more than a year ago in Nairobi. On Thursday, September 24, the DCI announced the identification of Police Constable Julius Cheruiyot as the suspect in the line of duty shooting of the popular legal practitioner.

According to the premier criminal investigative agency, the suspect led to the recovery of a Ceska pistol that was issued to Cheruiyot at the time of the shooting. The weapon was later confirmed to have belonged to Cheruiyot after ballistic tests were conducted.

“After a year of intense and painstaking investigations, detectives have identified and arrested Police Constable Julius Cheruiyot, who is suspected to have shot the lawyer,” the DCI said.

Mbobu was shot while traveling to his residence from the office in what was reported as a targeted shooting. His death sparked an extensive investigation by the DCI as investigators worked tirelessly to uncover every detail surrounding the incident. “Our premier investigating units, in collaboration with premier forensic experts, are continuing with their work to establish exact cause, manner, and circumstances of death of the prominent citizen,” the DCI said.

The DCI revealed that the investigation was leading to Inspector Kenneth Sang, who allegedly played a key role in the deadly crime. The wanted suspect is yet to be apprehended as he continues to elude police officers. According to the DCI, Cheruiyot and Sang acted in coordination with Rose Mbithe, who is already in custody after being freed from prison earlier this year. Mbithe was one of the suspects in the high-profile murder of Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso that occurred in Nairobi on July 29, 2026.

The DCI said the investigations were ongoing to determine the exact cause and circumstances of Mbobu’s death, as well as the precise role and responsibility of each suspect.

“As investigations continue, all persons found to be involved in the crime will be charged regardless of their position, rank, or stature in society,” the DCI said. Cheruiyot remains in police custody as investigators finalize the investigative file in preparation for his arraignment in court.

It was a year ago that renowned lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu’s body was found on Magadi Road, Nairobi, after being shot multiple times. Thereafter, the DCI’s Homicide Directorate and National Forensic Laboratory initiated an in-depth investigation into the tragic incident. To date, the elite investigative unit is still determining the exact cause of death as detectives continue to probe the fatal shooting. Cheruiyot is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.