Businessman Phillip Aroko, a suspect in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were, has been released on a Ksh.300,000 cash bail as directed by the JKIA court. The bail was reinstated after investigators informed the court that they had gathered critical evidence, including Aroko’s official statement, to support the ongoing case.
Appearing before the Kibera Law Courts on Thursday, Aroko represented himself and pledged full cooperation with the court’s directives. One of the conditions set for his release includes surrendering his passport to the Kibera Court to prevent any potential flight risk.
The state, represented by the prosecution, requested the court to uphold the bail terms previously issued by the JKIA court. “With the 7 days you provided to the prosecution, we have been able to cover areas, the days have been utilised sufficiently in custody,” the court was told, indicating that investigators had used the extension effectively.
This development comes nearly two months after the High Court temporarily revoked Aroko’s bail. On May 20, 2025, Justice Kavenza set aside the Chief Magistrate’s ruling at the JKIA court that had granted bail, siding with the prosecution’s application for a seven-day extension of Aroko’s detention to allow for further investigations.
Justice Kavenza noted that the prosecution’s request was “reasonable and proportionate,” given the sensitive nature of the case. The judge emphasized that the extended detention was a temporary and necessary measure to allow law enforcement to follow up on key leads without infringing upon Aroko’s fundamental rights.
Charles Were, the MP for Kasipul, was a prominent political figure whose murder shocked the nation and sparked intense public and media interest. Authorities have yet to disclose detailed findings about the motive or circumstances surrounding the MP’s death.
With Aroko now out on bail, the spotlight returns to the courtroom as the prosecution prepares to present its case. The next hearing will be crucial in determining whether the evidence gathered is sufficient to proceed to trial in one of Kenya’s most high-profile murder investigations this year.
