The High Court has ruled that Phillip Aroko, the prime suspect in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were, will remain in police custody for the full seven-day period as initially directed by a lower court. Aroko, who is currently under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), was presented before the JKIA Law Courts on Friday, where the DCI was granted permission to hold him to allow for further probing into the high-profile case.
Appearing before High Court judge Alexander Muteti on Monday, Aroko sought to withdraw an application he had earlier filed challenging his continued detention. His legal team argued that the application had become redundant, as the lower court had already issued custodial orders and he had subsequently been presented before the magistrate, satisfying the procedural requirements.
The High Court allowed the withdrawal of the application, effectively affirming the JKIA court’s ruling that sanctioned Aroko’s detention. The judge emphasized that there was no longer any matter before the High Court requiring adjudication, as the suspect’s rights had not been infringed upon and due process was being followed.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) also confirmed in court that it had adhered to all legal protocols and complied fully with the directives issued on Friday, including Aroko’s formal arraignment and the continuation of investigations under legal custody.
Aroko’s arrest and detention have drawn significant public interest due to the stature of the victim, Kasipul MP Charles Were, whose death has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Authorities have remained tight-lipped on the specifics of the case, citing the sensitivity and ongoing nature of the investigations.
The DCI is expected to finalize its preliminary investigations within the granted seven-day window before presenting any charges or seeking further orders from the court. Meanwhile, Aroko remains in police custody as the probe continues into the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing of the legislator.
