The complex and deeply scrutinized murder investigation of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn. Philip Nahashon Aroko, a prominent businessman and political figure who was previously arrested and treated as a key suspect in the high-profile case, has been released from custody. In a significant development, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has opted to enlist Aroko as a pivotal state witness, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the ongoing probe.
Until recently, Aroko had been under intense scrutiny from law enforcement, his movements and activities meticulously tracked as investigators pieced together the puzzle of the legislator's brutal killing. His entanglement in the case was highlighted by a High Court decision in late May. Justice Kavenza had then overturned an earlier ruling by the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) that had granted Aroko bail. This decision came after the prosecution successfully argued for his extended detention, citing the intricate and sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation. The judge underscored the necessity of his temporary detention to allow investigators to pursue critical leads without compromising Aroko’s constitutional rights. Consequently, Aroko was held at Kileleshwa Police Station until May 26, 2025, as investigations continued, with the prosecution expressing concerns that his release could jeopardize the case or lead to interference with witnesses or co-accused persons.
Aroko’s release and subsequent reclassification as a state witness marks a critical inflection point in a case that has already seen three individuals formally charged with the legislator’s killing. His consistent denial of any involvement in the MP’s murder throughout his detention now gains new context, as his cooperation as a witness implies he will provide information rather than face direct charges. The DCI’s decision to transition Aroko from a suspect to a key witness suggests that their review of the available evidence has led them to believe he possesses crucial information that can significantly advance the investigation and strengthen the prosecution’s case against other potential culprits.
In high-profile murder cases, the introduction of a state witness can often be a game-changer, providing new perspectives, corroborating existing evidence, or even opening entirely new lines of inquiry. Aroko, with his previous proximity to the investigation as a suspect, is uniquely positioned to offer insights that could shed light on critical aspects of the crime. This strategic move by the DCI underscores their intensified efforts to secure a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to MP Were’s death and ultimately, to ensure that justice is served.
