Kenya African National Union (KANU) Secretary General George Wainaina has spoken out for the first time after he was arrested in connection with the murder of Kyalo Mbobu.
In a statement on Sunday, September 14, Wainaina said he was arrested after a CCTV footage showed him greeting Mbobu at the parking lot of a hotel on the day he was assassinated.
Wainaina explained that his interaction with the late lawyer was a brief exchange of pleasantries, noting that he was scheduled to meet with his neighbor on that day.
“On Thursday, I was arrested by police officers following CCTV footage that showed me exchanging a greeting with the late Advocate Kyallo Mbobu at the parking lot of Sagret Hotel, before the tragic incident that claimed his life,” said Wainaina.
He continued, “On that day, the late Advocate Mbobu was meeting with my neighbor, and my interaction with him was only a brief exchange of greetings.”
The KANU secretary general also said he surrendered his firearm to the police for ballistic testing and availed himself for questioning.
“I wish to make it abundantly clear that I had no role whatsoever in this heinous act. After due process, the authorities found no evidence linking me to the matter, and I was subsequently released,” he stated.
Wainaina described the experience as distressing but emphasized that his ordeal could not compare to the pain being endured by the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Mbobu.
Further, Wainaina extended his condolences to Mbobu’s family and thanked those who had stood by him during the period of his arrest and questioning.
“I am grateful to all who stood by me, prayed for me, and trusted that truth and justice would guide this process. In particular, I wish to sincerely thank the Chairman of KANU and the entire party membership for their unwavering support and solidarity during this difficult time,” the KANU official added.
Wainaina was arrested on Thursday alongside two other suspects, Eric Muia and Paul Mbugua, over Mbobu’s murder.
The three were released from custody on Saturday, September 14, at 9:00 p.m. after being questioned by DCI detectives.
Mbobu was shot dead on Tuesday, September 9, when motorcycle-riding gunmen approached his stationary vehicle along the busy Magadi Road and opened fire without warning.
The assailants shattered the lawyer’s car windshield before discharging rounds that critically injured Mbobu.
Government pathologist Johansen Oduor revealed that Mbobu was shot eight times, with the shooter firing at close range.
According to the autopsy report, Mbobu died as a result of severe injuries and excessive bleeding from the gunshot wounds sustained during the shooting.
