Businessman and politician Phillip Aroko, implicated in the murder case of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, has been released from custody following the expiration of his seven-day detention order. However, his release came with a set of stringent conditions imposed by JKIA Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi, reflecting the seriousness of the case and the court’s determination to ensure that the investigation proceeds unhindered.
In a ruling delivered on May 16, 2025, Magistrate Gichobi outlined several tough restrictions aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Aroko was required to deposit a cash bail of Ksh300,000 along with the names of two contact persons, one of whom must be a close blood relative. Additionally, he was ordered to surrender his passport to the court to prevent any possibility of fleeing the jurisdiction while the matter remains under investigation.
The magistrate imposed a travel restriction barring Aroko from entering Homa Bay County, the home county of the deceased MP, in an effort to avoid any potential interference with witnesses or other parties connected to the case. Aroko was also prohibited from contacting the family members or close relatives of the late Charles Ong’ondo Were during the ongoing investigation.
Further limitations were placed on his interactions with the other suspects involved in the case. The court ordered that Aroko must not communicate with any of the other respondents, suspects, or witnesses linked to the case, of which there are currently twelve individuals under scrutiny. This condition was intended to prevent any form of collusion or intimidation that might jeopardize the investigation.
The court also emphasized that Aroko must not tamper with or interfere in any way with evidence or witnesses. This is critical given the sensitivity of the case and the need to maintain the integrity of all information and testimony that could contribute to resolving the matter.
One of the key conditions imposed is that Aroko must report to the investigating officer every two days at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide offices in Nairobi, or at any other time as may be required by the investigative team. This regular reporting is designed to keep the investigators informed and to monitor Aroko’s movements and cooperation closely.
Moreover, the businessman is obligated to provide any evidence or information he may possess that could aid in uncovering the truth behind the murder of the MP. Authorities are keen on gathering all possible leads that might shed light on the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Charles Ong’ondo Were was shot multiple times on the evening of April 30, 2025, while stuck in traffic along Ngong Road, Nairobi. The MP was reportedly heading home after work when the attack occurred. His assassination shocked the nation and triggered a swift and high-profile investigation by law enforcement agencies.
To date, twelve individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder, including suspected hitmen believed to have carried out the attack. The police have indicated that these arrests represent persons of interest who may hold vital information about the crime, and the investigation is ongoing.
The court has scheduled the next mention of the case for June 3, 2025, when the outcome of the investigations will be reviewed. This hearing will provide an opportunity for the authorities to present any new findings and for the court to decide on further legal steps.
The conditions imposed on Phillip Aroko reflect the court’s commitment to balancing the rights of the accused with the need to ensure justice for the late MP and his family. By restricting Aroko’s movements, communications, and requiring regular reporting, the court aims to prevent obstruction of justice while allowing the investigation to proceed effectively.
As the case unfolds, all eyes remain on the progress of the inquiry and the eventual trial, which will seek to hold those responsible for the tragic death of Charles Ong’ondo Were to account. The nation awaits justice in a case that has raised serious concerns about political violence and the rule of law.
