Aroko denies murder involvement, blames Governor Wanga for political motives

Philip Nahashon Aroko, the Homa Bay businessman and politician, has vehemently denied any involvement in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, but he claims his summoning by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is a politically motivated move orchestrated by Governor Gladys Wanga.

Aroko, accompanied by his lawyer Danstan Omari, appeared before the DCI on Wednesday night to respond to questions about the tragic killing of the MP, which occurred last week.

While addressing the media, Aroko expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation, but he emphasized that the case had been hijacked by political rivalries within the county.

"I don’t want to talk much about it because it is under investigation, but I want to leave it for the police to do their job. I am here, and I am ready to respond to anything anyone wants to ask," said Aroko.

However, he made it clear that he was being unfairly targeted due to the ongoing political dynamics in Homa Bay.

The businessman accused Governor Wanga of exerting undue pressure on the police to involve him in the case.

Aroko alleged that Wanga’s actions were aimed at politically sidelining him.

"I saw the Governor pushing so much for me to be called here, and now she has achieved it. But I want to tell her that we’re changing the politics from thuggery to civilized politics in that constituency," Aroko stated.

Aroko was quick to point out that the political climate in Homa Bay had become toxic, with rising tensions between politicians that, according to him, were leading to violence and instability.

"The politics in this county has been turned into madness; it’s no longer politics, it’s thuggery," he added, accusing some individuals in the region of being involved in violent activities while remaining on the county’s payroll.

"Those who fight and kill and maim people are employees of the county government. But the Governor has never spoken about any of these issues."

The businessman also indicated that his arrest had a direct connection to the burial of the late MP.

He claimed that powerful figures in the county were doing everything possible to prevent him from attending the funeral.

"The main reason they’ve summoned me here is because of the burial. They’re trying to stop me from attending," Aroko said.

Lawyer Danstan Omari echoed his client’s sentiments, claiming that Aroko’s summoning was more about political exclusion than criminal investigation.

"We have instructions that the real reason why Aroko is being called here is to prevent him from attending the funeral. Politics of exclusion will not thrive in this country," Omari asserted.

Omari further raised concerns that some influential figures might attempt to have Aroko detained and charged with the murder, even though no solid evidence has been presented.

"Rumor has it that they want to detain him, charge him with murder, and deny him bail," said Omari, stressing that the law had already been set in previous cases where individuals were granted the right to attend funerals, even when incarcerated.

Aroko’s legal team ensured that their client was taken safely to Gigiri Police Station, where he was booked for the night ahead of further interrogation.

"We have brought him to Gigiri Police Station. He is safe, and there are no problems," Omari confirmed.

As investigations continue, Aroko’s claims of political interference have added a new dimension to the probe.

While the police focus on uncovering the truth behind the murder of MP Were, Aroko remains adamant that his involvement in the case is politically motivated.

The police have not yet responded to Aroko’s allegations.