In a dramatic twist in the high-profile murder case of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, businessman and political figure Philip Nahashon Aroko has been released from custody and will now testify as a state witness.
Aroko was initially arrested and treated as a prime suspect in the case, which has gripped the nation due to its political implications and the brutal nature of the MP’s killing. However, after a comprehensive review of evidence by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), authorities opted to reclassify Aroko as a key witness rather than a suspect.
His release marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation, which has already led to the formal charging of three other individuals in connection with the legislator’s death. The circumstances surrounding Aroko’s detention had stirred legal debates, particularly after the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) granted him bail a decision later overturned by the High Court.
In late May, Justice Kavenza ruled in favor of the prosecution’s application for extended detention, citing the sensitive and complex nature of the investigation. “The application is found to be merited,” the judge stated, emphasizing the necessity of detaining Aroko to safeguard critical leads and witness integrity.
Aroko was subsequently held at Kileleshwa Police Station until May 26, 2025, during which time investigators intensified their probe. The prosecution had warned that premature release could compromise the case, potentially leading to witness interference or collusion with co-accused individuals.
Throughout the proceedings, Aroko has maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the MP’s murder. His new role as a cooperating witness could be pivotal in unearthing the full truth behind the crime and potentially leading to more arrests or convictions.
The murder of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, prompting calls for justice and transparency. As Aroko prepares to testify, attention now turns to how his statements might reshape the trajectory of the case.
