Aroko drops Omari as his lawyer as he secures release on cash bail
A person of interest in the murder case of Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Were, Philip Nahashon Aroko has dropped his lawyer Danstan Omari before his case was mentioned.
Appearing before Lady Justice Diana Kavedza at Kibera High Court, Aroko raised his hand immediately after the court quorum was taken, requesting to be allowed to represent himself.
“My lady, I want to be myself, I just want to represent myself for now,” Aroko told the court.
In her response, Justice Kavedza asked lawyer Omari who was attending the court virtually whether he had heard his client request, to which he replied; “That’s okay, no problem.”
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) through the Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Gikui Gichui told court that they do not need to detain Aroko any longer, since they have covered all areas of investigations they needed to.
In her submissions, Prosecutor Gichui told the court that they have been able to make substantial progress in the elements highlighted when they requested for seven more days, adding that Aroko has given a comprehensive statement.
“My lady, we have been able to make substantial progress in the elements highlighted in the seven days that you provided to us. As crucial parts of our investigations involving the respondent, including key communication data, comprehensive statements and financial reports,” Prosecutor Gichui told the court.
Further the prosecutor also requested the court to mention the case in 30 days so that they can close the file.
Lawyer Apollo Mboya, representing the victim’s family did not object the release of Aroko on bail, stating that the family supports the application by the prosecution on the new terms.
During his submissions, Aroko promised court to comply with the set rules as he co-operated during the 14 days he was required by the prosecution for the investigations.
Lady Justice Diana Kavedza released Aroko on a cash bail of Ksh300,000 with firm orders he is required to follow.
“Having heard the prosecution counsel, and the victims’ counsel on one hand, as well as the respondent’s submissions in person, I hereby issue the order, as previously stated. First, the respondent is admitted to a cash bail of Ksh300,000. If already deposited, do not deposit again,” Judge Kavedza ordered.
Notably, Judge Kavedza has issued a stern warning to Aroko not to visit the Homabay County or be seen anywhere near the County until the application in court is finalized.
“The respondent shall not set foot in Homabay, or be seen anywhere near the boundary of Homa Bay County pending finalization of the application before his court,” Judge Kavedza ruled.
The Court has also banned and prohibited Aroko from accessing the witnesses, the victims, and the suspects being held in custody in anyway, directly or through his proxies.
He has also been ordered to report to the lead investigator every two days and avail two contact persons, who are residents of Nairobi. Each, should also deposit copies of their Identity Cards (ID) as well as half photographs.
Further, court has directed him to deposit his passport with the Deputy Registrar, Kibera High Court directing it to be brought to Kibera from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts.
The matter will be mention on June 26, 2025, for further directions.
