Why MP Were Murder Suspect Philip Aroko Was Re-Arrested Despite Being Granted Bail
Businessman Philip Aroko, a suspect in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, was re-arrested on Monday following the cancellation of his bail by a Kibera court.
The re-arrest came just days after Aroko had been released on a Ksh300,000 cash bail by the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts. His release had been granted pending investigations into his alleged involvement in the April 30 killing of the legislator.
However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) filed an appeal challenging the bail decision, citing the seriousness of the case and the potential risk of interference with the ongoing investigation. Acting on this appeal, the Kibera Law Courts cancelled Aroko’s bail and ordered his immediate re-arrest.
Police tracked down and apprehended Aroko soon after the ruling. He is currently being detained at Kileleshwa Police Station. The court has authorized his detention for seven days to allow investigators more time to complete critical parts of the investigation.
The prosecution argued that although bail had been granted with conditions, the investigation remained at a sensitive stage. The authorities expressed concern that Aroko’s release could compromise key aspects of the case, particularly with pending forensic and financial reports still under review.
According to court documents, one of the main reasons for the bail cancellation was the emergence of new information during Aroko’s interrogation. Inspector Oliver Nabonwe swore an affidavit stating that Aroko had given fresh leads that now require further verification. This new line of inquiry, investigators argued, could not proceed effectively without the suspect in custody.
In addition to this, the cybercrime and forensic report from the National Forensic Laboratory had not yet been finalized. Investigators noted that Aroko’s physical presence would be necessary once the forensic data is available, as the findings could prompt further questioning.
The prosecution also pointed out that a financial report from the Financial Reporting Centre was pending. This report is expected to play a central role in uncovering the financial dimensions of the case, possibly linking Aroko to other suspects or activities related to the murder.
Another concern raised in the prosecution’s appeal was the identification of new witnesses. The investigators have identified several additional individuals whose statements are considered essential to the case. Some of these witnesses are located in Homa Bay County, and efforts are ongoing to trace and interview them.
The court was informed that police also intend to analyze call data from the late MP, Aroko, and other suspects in custody. The call logs are expected to establish timelines and interactions that may further implicate Aroko in the planning or execution of the murder.
While Aroko’s initial bail included strict conditions—such as surrendering his passport, avoiding travel to Homa Bay County, and refraining from contacting co-suspects or witnesses—the prosecution insisted that these restrictions were insufficient to guarantee the integrity of the investigation.
The JKIA Law Courts, which had initially released Aroko, had also required him to report regularly to investigators and to cooperate fully in providing evidence. Despite these terms, the prosecution maintained that the risk of evidence tampering or witness interference could not be fully mitigated unless Aroko remained in custody.
The affidavit presented in court revealed that Aroko is one of 12 suspects under investigation. Among those already arrested is the alleged gunman. The prosecution submitted that current evidence links Aroko to the murder and that charges could be brought against him once the investigation is concluded.
The gravity of the case and its high public profile were also cited as contributing factors in the court’s decision to revoke bail. The prosecution emphasized the public interest in ensuring justice for a sitting Member of Parliament killed in a targeted attack in Nairobi.
MP Charles Were was shot dead on April 30, 2025, along Valley Road. The assassination shocked the nation and triggered a wide-reaching investigation that has involved multiple suspects and agencies. The murder weapon has since been recovered, further advancing the case.
With investigations still ongoing, police believe that keeping Aroko in custody is essential to completing the necessary interviews, cross-checking the new information provided, and analyzing the outstanding forensic and financial reports.
The court accepted this position and ruled that the suspect be held for a further seven days. During this period, police will also seek to record statements from new witnesses, analyze communication records, and possibly make additional arrests.
In conclusion, while Aroko had initially been granted bail, his re-arrest was prompted by new developments in the investigation, concerns about interference with evidence, and the pending forensic and financial reports. The court determined that continued detention was necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure that all leads are thoroughly pursued before any final legal action is taken.
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Why MP Were Murder Suspect Philip Aroko Was Re-Arrested Despite Being Granted Bail