NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi businessman Phillip Aroko has turned himself in to police after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) named him a person of interest in the shocking murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were.
Arok0, flanked by his high-profile lawyer Danstan Omari, presented himself at Gigiri Police Station on Wednesday evening—just minutes after the DCI published a wanted alert on its official social media channels, describing him as a key suspect in what investigators believe was a well-coordinated assassination.
The lawmaker was gunned down in cold blood near the City Mortuary roundabout last week, moments after attending a session in Parliament.
His brutal killing in broad daylight stunned the nation, igniting public outcry and intensifying calls for swift justice.
“I have been around. My phone has been on. I am ready for anything. I don’t fear being summoned by the DCI. It is normal,” Aroko told journalists, maintaining his innocence and composure.
WANTED FOR MURDERThe Directorate of Criminal Investigations requests Philip Nahashon Aroko to surrender immediately to the nearest police station. He is a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into the brutal murder of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were. Compliance with this
Legal Defence: A Diversionary Tactic?
His lawyer, Omari, dismissed the alert issued by DCI as a diversionary tactic, insisting that his client is a law abiding citizen and has cooperated fully with authorities.
“We are here to demonstrate that Aroko is a law-abiding citizen. The move by DCI to issue an alert while he has been within reach is not only malicious but an attempt to sway public opinion,” said Omari.
He added that the businessman had not received any formal summons prior to the alert being posted online, raising questions about due process and whether the DCI acted prematurely.
What We Know So Far:
Authorities have so far arrested at least 9 other suspects, including MP Were’s personal bodyguard and driver, in connection with the killing.
A firearm believed to have been used in the shooting has also been recovered and is undergoing ballistic analysis.
Detectives say preliminary intelligence points to a complex web of individuals possibly involved in the MP’s murder, with early indications suggesting both personal and political motives are being explored.
The DCI confirmed that the weapon—whose serial number has been traced—is in the custody of forensic experts.
“It will be subjected to ballistic tests to establish whether it discharged the fatal bullets that claimed the life of the legislator,” a senior officer told Y News, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
High-Stakes Investigation
The murder of Were, a vocal third-term legislator, has rattled political circles and raised concerns over the rising insecurity in Kenya.
Security analysts say the murder bears hallmarks of a premeditated hit, citing the timing, location, and precision of the shooting.
Aroko is expected to record a statement with homicide detectives.
