Businessman Philip Aroko freed, to serve as state witness in MP Were's murder case
Aroko, who was initially arrested and treated as a suspect in the high-profile case, was freed following a review of evidence by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Homabay Politician and businessman Philip Aroko has been released and will now serve as a state witness in the murder case of Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were.
Aroko, who was initially arrested and treated as a suspect in the high-profile case, was freed following a review of evidence by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
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The politician had previously denied any involvement in the murder.
His release and new role as a witness mark a significant development in the case, where three persons so far have been charged with the murder of the MP.
In May, Aroko was released on a cash bail of Sh300,000.
Aroko, who appeared before Kibera High Court judge Diana Kavedza for a mention of his case, was to know whether investigations against him were completed.
His release was after the court was told that the investigators required evidence, including Aroko writing his statement.
The prosecution asked the court to release him under similar conditions issued earlier by the JKIA court.
"With the seven days you provided to the prosecution, we have been able to cover areas, the days have been utilised sufficiently in custody," the court was told.
Aroko, representing himself, told the court that he will abide by the directions issued and also avail his passport at the Kibera Court.
Earlier on May 20, 2025, the High Court overturned a decision by the Chief Magistrate's Court at JKIA to grant bail to Aroko.
Justice Kavedza found merit in the prosecution's application to detain Aroko for an additional seven days to facilitate ongoing investigations.
The judge found the request to be reasonable and proportionate, considering the delicate nature and extent of the ongoing investigations.
The court emphasised that the extended detention was a temporary measure designed to allow investigators to finalise key leads without jeopardising Aroko's fundamental rights.
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