DCI Orders Homa Bay Politician Philip Aroko to Surrender Over MP Were’s Murder
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a directive for Homa Bay politician Philip Nahashon Aroko to immediately surrender to the nearest police station in connection with the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Aroko has officially been named a person of interest in the ongoing probe into the legislator’s assassination, with the DCI emphasizing that his compliance is mandatory.
“The 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 request is mandatory,” the agency posted on X.
The DCI also appealed to the public to help trace Aroko’s whereabouts by sharing any information that could aid investigators.
“We also appeal to anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or use our toll-free numbers: 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203). All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” the statement added.
Despite being sought, Aroko’s lawyer, Danstan Omari, said his client is innocent and that he would be presenting him to the authorities soon.
“I will present my client, Philip Nahashon Aroko, to the Gigiri Police Station shortly. He is being framed politically,” Omari claimed on social media.
So far, nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the legislator’s murder, including his bodyguard Allan Omondi Ogolla and driver Walter Owino, whom police believe were part of a larger criminal gang.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that individuals close to the late MP were complicit in the killing.
“We have made very significant progress in arresting the perpetrators and their collaborators. It will shock you to note that this was a heinous crime done in a cavalier manner, involving people who ordinarily should have taken good care of him,” Murkomen said.
He further assured that the law would take its course.
“The suspects will be brought to book and serve as an example. Their punishment will be an example to anyone who thinks they can run away from the law.”
Political Motives and Criminal Past
Reports indicate that Aroko may have harbored political ambitions in Kasipul, the very seat held by the slain MP. Social media posts dating back to 2024 show locals endorsing Aroko as a potential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
In addition to political ties, Aroko’s name has surfaced in high-profile fraud cases, most notably fake gold scams.
In 2018, he was charged alongside businessman Jared Otieno for allegedly conning a foreign investor, Samir Entoro, out of Sh23 million by claiming they would sell and ship eight kilograms of gold to Dubai.
In another scandal, Aroko was among 15 suspects arrested in Kileleshwa in connection with a Sh300 million gold scam targeting a businessman from Laos. The property where the arrests were made was also linked to Otieno.
While Aroko has repeatedly denied involvement, investigators believe he played an active role in coordinated schemes targeting wealthy investors.
Despite these controversies, Aroko has remained active in political circles and was seemingly laying the groundwork to contest the Kasipul parliamentary seat in 2027.
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DCI Orders Homa Bay Politician Philip Aroko to Surrender Over MP Were’s Murder