Philip Aroko Stuns Kenyans After Claiming He ‘Doesn’t Know’ New MP Boyd Were
Former Kasipul parliamentary candidate Philip Aroko has stirred public debate after stating in a recent interview that he “does not know” newly elected MP Boyd Were, despite the two contesting the same by-election.
The Kasipul seat fell vacant earlier this year following the death of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was fatally shot while driving in Nairobi. His passing triggered a competitive by-election that drew several aspirants, including Aroko and Ong’ondo’s son, Boyd Were.
During the late MP’s burial, several ODM legislators urged then-party leader Raila Odinga to support one of Ong’ondo’s sons as successor. Boyd Were ultimately secured the ODM ticket and went on to win the highly watched contest. Following the declaration of results, Boyd was seen celebrating alongside his two stepmothers and residents who had gathered outside their Kasipul home.
However, in an interview with comedian and media personality Oga Obinna, Aroko surprised many by insisting he hardly knew the young politician.
“I have got nothing against that boy. There is no issue; I do not know him,” Aroko said. “I just see him on TV, and physically if we meet… I just saw him when the dad passed on and when the ODM people were holding his hands. Is he 27 years old? I am 43. He has not won that thing.”
His remarks immediately sparked reactions online, with some viewers questioning whether the comments were a refusal to acknowledge Boyd’s victory.
Shortly after the interview aired, Aroko posted on social media assuring his supporters that his political ambitions remained intact despite the defeat. He pledged to continue supporting residents through his philanthropy and hinted at a possible fresh bid in 2027. Notably, he did not congratulate Boyd Were or comment directly on the election results, which further fuelled speculation about tensions between the two.
Other candidates who participated in the by-election conceded defeat earlier and were later seen at Boyd’s residence as part of a reconciliatory gesture. Their actions drew a contrast with Aroko’s silence, prompting mixed views from Kenyans online. Some urged him to keep strategising for 2027, while others encouraged him to focus on his community projects instead of returning to politics.
The new MP, Boyd Were, is yet to respond publicly to Aroko’s remarks. The Kasipul constituency now looks ahead to how the young legislator intends to shape his late father’s legacy as he begins his first term in Parliament.
Philip Aroko Stuns Kenyans After Claiming He ‘Doesn’t Know’ New MP Boyd Were