Homa Bay politician Philip Aroko freed on Sh300,000 cash bail

Philip Aroko, a key suspect in the murder of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were has been released by a magistrate court after he was granted a Sh300,000 bail.

Aroko was arrested and arraigned at the JKIA law court, where the state sought to have him detained for 30 days pending completion of investigations.

However, JKIA principal magistrate Irene Gichor granted the authorities seven days.

When the matter returned to court Friday, the magistrate granted Aroko bail but imposed several conditions on his release.

He was ordered to surrender his passport to the court and is prohibited from travelling to Homa Bay County, where the slain MP was buried.

Aroko is a politician and was Ong’ondo Were’s fiercest rival during the 2022 general election.

His lawyer, Danstan Omari had on Monday told the court that he wants to be released so he can go and pray at the grave of the late MP.

However, magistrate Gicobi restricted Aroko from setting foot in the constituency, which is in Homa Bay county.

Aroko is also barred from contacting the MP’s family members, other suspects, or any individuals linked to the case.

The court also directed that Aroko refrain from interfering with any evidence that could be critical to the ongoing investigation.

As part of his bail conditions, Aroko is required to report regularly to investigating officers and to provide any evidence needed in connection with the case.

The prosecution had initially requested that Aroko remain in custody, citing the high public interest of the case and the need for further investigation.

Aroko is among 11 suspects under investigation for the murder of MP Charles Were.

His case will be mentioned on June 3, 2025, for further directions.