The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has appealed the release of businessman Philip Aroko, who is under investigation in connection with the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were.
Aroko was released on a Sh300,000 cash bail by JKIA Law Courts Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi. The court imposed strict conditions, including surrendering his passport, avoiding Homa Bay County—the late MP’s home region—and refraining from contacting witnesses, co-suspects, or interfering with evidence.
Despite the bail decision, the ODPP filed a notice of appeal, citing the sensitive nature of the case and pending investigations. The prosecution argued that key reports—including a cybercrime and forensic report from the National Forensic Laboratory and a financial report from the Financial Reporting Centre—are still awaited.
Inspector Oliver Nabonwe, in a sworn affidavit, stated that Aroko had provided new information during questioning, prompting the need for additional investigations and the tracing of new witnesses. He requested seven more days to allow police to record statements and analyze call data records of the deceased, Aroko, and other suspects.
The court heard that 12 individuals are currently under investigation, including the alleged gunman. The murder weapon and other crucial exhibits have already been recovered.
MP Were was shot and killed on April 30, 2025, along Valley Road in Nairobi. The next court mention is scheduled for June 3, 2025.
The prosecution insists that Aroko could face murder charges once investigations are finalized, as preliminary findings link him and others in custody to the crime. The ODPP now seeks to overturn his bail to facilitate the completion of critical investigations.
