Aroko released on bail as investigators finalize evidence in MP Were murder case

Businessman Phillip Aroko, a suspect in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were, has been released on a cash bail of sh300,000, the same amount granted earlier by the JKIA court.

His release follows an update to the court that investigators have completed collecting key evidence, including recording Aroko’s statement.

The state requested his release under the same conditions set previously 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 on Tuesday.

Aroko, who is representing himself, agreed to comply with the court's instructions, including submitting his passport to the Kibera Court.

Earlier on May 20, 2025, the High Court had overturned the JKIA court’s initial decision to release Aroko on bail.

Justice Kavenza upheld the prosecution's request to detain him for an extra seven days to allow further investigation.

The judge said the extension was necessary due to the sensitive nature of the case and assured that it was a temporary step meant to help investigators wrap up key leads without infringing on Aroko’s rights.

Aroko is among 12 suspects under investigation for the murder of MP Were.

Inspector Oliver Nabonwe swore an affidavit indicating that Aroko had provided new information that requires more time to investigate before a decision to charge him is made.

He added that the cybercrime and forensic report from the National Forensic Laboratory is still pending.

This report will be used to further interrogate the respondent, an exercise that requires his physical presence and additional time.

The prosecution also noted in its appeal that a financial report from the Financial Reporting Centre is pending, and is crucial for interrogating Aroko on the financial aspects of the investigation.

"After interrogating some suspects in custody, more witnesses have been identified whose statements are yet to be recorded. This will require more time before investigations are concluded," the prosecution submitted.

"So far, our investigations have revealed that the respondent, jointly with others in custody, is linked to the murder of the late Hon. Charles Ong'ondo Were and could be charged with the offence of murder once investigations are concluded," read the court documents.

The affidavit states that police need seven more days to investigate the new information provided by the respondent during his interview and statement recording.

They also need time to trace, interview, and record statements from newly identified witnesses, some of whom are in Homa Bay County.

Police also intend to analyze call data records from the deceased, Aroko, and other suspects, and to interrogate Aroko on the findings.

Aroko was arrested after being implicated in the probe into the MP’s murder.

Were was shot and killed on April 30, 2025, along Valley Road in Nairobi.

So far, 12 suspects—including the alleged gunman—have been arrested. The murder weapon has also been recovered.