NAIROBI, Kenya – A businessman suspected in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were was rearrested on Monday after a Kibera court revoked his earlier bail.
Philip Aroko had been released last week on a Sh300,000 cash bail by the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Magistrate Court, but the prosecution successfully appealed the decision, citing ongoing investigations and the high public interest in the case.
Following the court’s ruling, police tracked down and rearrested Aroko.
He will now be held at Kileleshwa Police Station for seven days as detectives pursue new leads.
Aroko is among 12 suspects being investigated in connection with the April 30 shooting of MP Were along Valley Road in Nairobi.
Authorities have since recovered the murder weapon and arrested several individuals, including the suspected gunman.
Court documents reveal that investigators are awaiting crucial forensic, cybercrime, and financial reports to guide the next steps in the case.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court that new information provided by Aroko during questioning has expanded the scope of the probe and led to the identification of additional witnesses.
“There is a need to trace, interview, and record statements from newly identified witnesses, some of whom are in Homa Bay County,” read an affidavit by Inspector Oliver Nabonwe. “We also intend to analyze call data from the deceased, the respondent, and other suspects.”
As part of his initial bail conditions, Aroko had surrendered his passport, was barred from contacting other suspects or witnesses, and was prohibited from traveling to Homa Bay County.
However, prosecutors argued that releasing him jeopardized the integrity of the investigation.
Investigators say the businessman may be charged with murder once the inquiry is complete.
