Kasipul MP Murder Suspect Philip Aroko Seeks to Pray at Were’s Grave

Philip Aroko, a person of interest in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, will remain in police custody for seven days, the High Court has ruled. 

The decision upholds a previous order by a lower court granting investigators additional time to probe Aroko's potential involvement in the killing. Aroko surrendered to authorities at the Gigiri Police Station last Wednesday, prompting an investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 

His detention has been a focal point of legal contention. Defence attorneys Danstan Omari, Cliff Ombeta, Samson Nyaberi, and Shadrack Wambui, initially challenged the legality of his prolonged detention without formal charges. Citing constitutional mandates requiring arraignment within 24 hours of arrest, the defence sought court orders compelling the state to present Aroko before a judge. 

Justice Alexander Muteti issued directives for Aroko’s appearance, leading to his presentation before JKIA Principal Magistrate Irene Gicobi last Friday. The prosecution, under the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), had requested a 30-day detention to allow for a thorough investigation. 

However, the defence successfully argued for a reduced detention period of seven days. On Monday, Omari informed Justice Muteti of the defence’s decision to withdraw their earlier application concerning the delayed arraignment, arguing that Aroko’s appearance before the JKIA court rendered the matter moot. The prosecution did not contest the withdrawal request, which the High Court subsequently granted.

In a noteworthy development, Omari stated that his client intends to visit the grave of the late MP upon his release. He said that Aroko wishes to pay his respects to the late Ong'ondo Were and engage with the people of Kasipul. Aroko harbours political aspirations, including a potential run for the Kasipul parliamentary seat. He hopes to familiarise himself with the constituency and advocate for reforms aimed at improving the operational efficiency of the DCI.

“Mr. Aroko is a public figure, and he intends to attend the funeral proceedings and interact with the people of Kasipul," Omari told the court, noting that he sees his future in politics and aims to use his legislative influence to strengthen criminal investigations in the country.

Ong’ondo Were was recently buried in his Kachien home within the Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County. The investigation into his murder remains active.