Businessman Philip Aroko, a key suspect in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were, was rearrested on Monday after a Kibera Court canceled his bail following an appeal by the prosecution.
Aroko had briefly tasted freedom after being released last week on a Sh300,000 cash bail by a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Magistrate Court.
The court had imposed several conditions, including surrendering his passport and prohibiting travel to Homa Bay County, the late MP’s home region.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has successfully appealed the release, arguing that Aroko had provided new information requiring further investigation.
The court ordered him detained at Kileleshwa Police Station for seven days pending completion of investigations.
“After interrogating some suspects in custody, more witnesses have been identified whose statements are yet to be recorded. This will require more time before investigations are concluded,” the prosecution submitted in court documents.
Party before arrest
Sources indicate that Aroko had reportedly been spotted at an uptown entertainment establishment shortly before his rearrest, where he allegedly hosted a lavish celebration with associates, including flamboyant businessman Jared Otieno, to mark his release. This gathering occurred despite court orders restricting him from contacting individuals associated with the case.
Investigation continues
Inspector Oliver Nabonwe stated in an affidavit that authorities need additional time to investigate new information provided by Aroko during interviews.
Police also require time to analyze call data records, await cybercrime and forensic reports from the National Forensic Laboratory, and review a pending financial report from the Financial Reporting Centre.
“So far, our investigations have revealed that the respondent, jointly with others in custody, is linked to the murder of the late Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were and could be charged with the offence of murder once investigations are concluded,” read the court documents.
MP Charles Were was shot and killed on April 30, 2025, along Valley Road in Nairobi.
To date, 12 suspects, including the alleged gunman, have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators have also recovered the murder weapon.
The high-profile case continues to draw significant public interest as authorities work to uncover the circumstances and motives behind the legislator’s murder.
