Dramatic scenes unfolded in court on Thursday, 8th May, after police failed to present businessman and politician Philip Nahashon Aroko, a person of interest in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Ong’ondo Were.
Defence attorneys Cliff Ombeta and Dunston Omari sharply criticised law enforcement for not producing Aroko in court, despite his surrender to Gigiri Police Station on Tuesday, following a May 7 directive issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“We delivered Aroko to the police station live on all media houses, that is intentional, not to bring him to court,” Dunston Omari said.
The courtroom confrontation heightened tensions in the high-profile case, which has gripped the public and raised concerns about political interference.
Aroko on Were’s Murder
However, Aroko had accused Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga of falsely implicating him in the MP’s murder, a claim that further complicates the politically charged investigation.
The court has ordered police to explain Aroko’s whereabouts and provide clarity on the status of the investigation.
Dunstan Omari further said Phillip Aroko is being held away from the courts so that he doesn’t make an application for him to attend the burial.
Also Read: Wetang’ula Issues Directive to All MPs Over Their Security Details After Were’s Death
“The mischief in this matter is that our client (Phillip Aroko) is being held away from the courts so that we don’t make an application for him to attend the burial,” he said.
Ultimatum to the police
Adding pressure on authorities, Omari issued an ultimatum to the police, giving them until Friday to bring Aroko before the court.
“The 24-hour rule states that once a suspect is in custody, they must be presented in court within that time frame,” Omari said. “Failure to produce him today means he must be presented by Friday, May 9, at 9 a.m.”
“Our client willingly turned himself in and should be afforded his legal rights,” he added.
Names of Suspects
In a statement on May 6, 2025, The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had issued an update on the death of the Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Also Read: Ruto Takes Action After Assassination of Charles Were
DCI revealed the names of suspects who were involved in the tragic shooting of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo, who have been identified as Edwin Oduor Odhiambo, also known as Abdul Rashid, and Dennis Sewe Munyasi.
“Upon their arrest, the suspects led the investigators to Edwin Odhiambo’s house, where two pistols, a Retay Falcon and a Sarsilmaz, were recovered. Additionally, nine rounds of 9 mm calibre ammunition were found. A bag and footwear matching the description of those worn by one of the suspects at the scene of the incident were also recovered,” part of the statement read.
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