Homabay politician and businessman Philip Nahashon Aroko has been released from custody by a Nairobi court and will now serve as a state witness in the murder case of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were.

Aroko, who was initially arrested and treated as a suspect, had been under police custody following an intense investigation that placed him at the center of the high-profile case.

His release follows a decision by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to enlist him as a key witness after a thorough review of the evidence.

This development signals a major shift in the direction of the ongoing probe, which has already seen three individuals charged in connection with the MP’s killing.

Aroko had faced prolonged scrutiny from detectives and prosecutors. His legal battle began in May, when the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport granted him bail.

However, the High Court later overturned that decision after the prosecution successfully argued that the case was too delicate to allow his release at the time.

“The application is found to be merited,” ruled Justice Kavenza, backing the prosecution’s request to extend Aroko’s detention.

The judge emphasized that holding him temporarily would help investigators pursue key leads without breaching his rights.

Following that ruling, Aroko was detained at Kileleshwa Police Station and held there until May 26 as officers continued to piece together the circumstances surrounding the MP’s death.

Authorities had raised concerns that his release might lead to witness tampering or disruption of the ongoing investigations involving other suspects.

Throughout the proceedings, Aroko maintained his innocence and denied any role in the murder of Charles Ong’ondo Were. His recent designation as a state witness indicates that investigators now believe he may help shed light on the events leading up to the MP’s death.