Politician Philip Aroko Links MP Were Murder Summons to Governor Wanga’s Political Witch-Hunt
HOMA BAY — Outspoken Homa Bay businessman and politician Philip Nahashon Aroko has come out strongly against what he calls a politically charged investigation targeting him in the ongoing probe into the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Aroko, who appeared before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Wednesday evening, claimed the summons issued to him were instigated by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. He insisted he had no connection to the murder, calling it a “calculated political scheme” aimed at frustrating his political ambitions.
“I saw the Governor pushing so much for me to be called here. She is even making calls to the police for me to be summoned. She has achieved it now,” said Aroko after his DCI appearance.
He dared the Governor to present any credible evidence linking him to the MP’s brutal killing, arguing that her silence over violent acts allegedly carried out by county employees shows selective concern.
Aroko was accompanied by his lawyer Danstan Omari, who termed the summons as a form of “funeral exclusion politics” aimed at barring Aroko from attending MP Were’s burial.
“They summoned me to come, and I am here. If anybody has anything that they want to ask me, I’ll be ready to answer,” Aroko stated, noting that he was fully cooperating with authorities.
Aroko decried the political climate in Homa Bay, calling it “toxic” and filled with intimidation. “The politics in that county has been turned into madness… it is not politics, it is thuggery,” he said, vowing to bring civility back to the region’s leadership.
According to the politician, those behind political violence in the area are not only known but are also county employees. “Because those who fight and kill and maim people are employees of the county government of Homa Bay. They’re on her payroll. She has never talked about anything,” he alleged.
Aroko believes that the political push behind his arrest was also timed to coincide with MP Were’s funeral. “I know the main reason is because of the burial,” he remarked.
His lawyer, Omari, echoed the concerns, saying there were intentions to detain and possibly charge Aroko with murder, despite a lack of evidence. “Anybody who is scared of his popularity… rumour has it that they want to detain him, charge him for murder and deny him bail,” Omari said.
He added, “Politics of exclusion during funerals will not survive in this country. Aroko has a right to attend and bury and proceed with the final rituals of the late Sir Charles.”
Omari also noted that even if detained, political persecution wouldn’t derail Aroko’s prospects. “The law has been settled—Mheshimiwa Kapondi was elected while in prison serving a jail sentence,” he added.
After his appearance at the DCI headquarters, Aroko was taken to Gigiri Police Station where he was booked and spent the night. “We want to confirm that our client Philip Aroko… has been brought to Gigiri Police Station. He is safe and has no problems,” Omari confirmed.
Aroko is expected to face further questioning on Thursday as detectives continue their probe. He maintains his innocence and claims that the Governor’s influence is a central factor in the entire ordeal.
In other news: A Depressed Economy? Employment Opportunities in Kenya Shrink as Wages Fall
Politician Philip Aroko Links MP Were Murder Summons to Governor Wanga’s Political Witch-Hunt