Court Frees Homa Bay Politician Linked To MP Were’s Murder
A magistrate court has released Philip Aroko, a crucial suspect in the murder of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, after granting him Sh300,000 bail.
Aroko was arrested and arraigned at the JKIA law court, where the state requested to hold him for 30 days pending the conclusion of investigations.
However, JKIA principal magistrate Irene Gichor gave the authorities seven days.
When the case came to court on Friday, the magistrate granted Aroko bail but set various conditions for his release.
He was ordered to relinquish his passport to the court and is barred from visiting Homa Bay County, where the dead MP is buried.
Aroko is a politician who was Ong’ondo Were’s main adversary in the 2022 national election.
Philip Aroko Released on Ksh.300K Cash Bail in Kasipul MP Charles Were Murder Case pic.twitter.com/P54tDS8RTh
— Uzalendo News (@UzalendoNews_KE) May 16, 2025
His lawyer, Danstan Omari, told the court on Monday that he wants to be released so that he can visit the late MP’s grave and pray.
However, magistrate Gicobi barred Aroko from entering the constituency, which is in Homa Bay County.
Aroko is also prohibited from contacting the MP’s family members, other suspects, or anyone else connected to the case.
The court also directed Aroko not to interfere with any evidence that could be critical to the ongoing investigation.
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As part of his bail conditions, Aroko must report to investigative officers on a regular basis and supply any evidence required in the case.
The prosecution had first demanded that Aroko remain in detention, citing the great public interest in the case and the necessity for additional investigation.
Aroko is one of 11 people under investigation for the murder of MP Charles Were.
His case will be discussed on June 3, 2025, for further action.
Court Frees Homa Bay Politician Linked To MP Were’s Murder
