Aroko rearrested after court cancels bail in MP Were killing
He is now being held at Kileleshwa Police Station for seven days as police complete investigations into the killing.
A key suspect in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were has been rearrested after a court cancelled his bail.
Businessman Philip Aroko, who had been released on a Sh300,000 cash bail by a JKIA Magistrate Court, was taken back into custody after a Kibera Court overturned the decision following an appeal by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He is now being held at Kileleshwa Police Station for seven days as police complete investigations into the killing.
The initial bail ruling by Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi came with strict conditions.
Aroko was ordered to surrender his passport, avoid travelling to Homa Bay, the late MP’s home county, and was barred from contacting family members, co-suspects, or anyone linked to the case.
He was also warned against interfering with evidence and required to report regularly to investigators and cooperate fully.
However, the prosecution challenged the release, arguing that Aroko’s presence was still necessary for ongoing inquiries.
"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.
An affidavit sworn by Inspector Oliver Nabonwe stated that Aroko had given new information which required more time to investigate before a decision is made on whether to charge him.
The court heard that key forensic reports from the National Forensic Laboratory and the Financial Reporting Centre are still pending. These are critical in helping police analyze cybercrime data and financial links related to the killing.
"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.
Investigators also said they need to trace and interview new witnesses, including some based in Homa Bay County, and analyze call records between Aroko, the deceased, and other suspects.
Aroko was first arrested after being linked to the shooting of MP Were, who was killed along Valley Road in Nairobi on April 30, 2025.
Police say 12 suspects, including the alleged shooter, have so far been arrested and the murder weapon recovered.
