Ong’ondo Were murder: Aroko insists he’s not hiding, shrugs off DCI summon
Flamboyant politician Philip Nahashon Aroko has dramatically broken his silence after being named a person of interest in the chilling assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, defiantly declaring, “I have nothing to hide.”
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Wednesday night, May 7, 2025, issued a public summons demanding Aroko surrender immediately to the nearest police station, as investigations into the brazen April 30, 2025, murder of Ong’ondo near Nairobi’s Valley Road intensify.
But Aroko, far from appearing rattled, took to Facebook and social media video to strike a calm, even cavalier tone, saying he is ready for anything and insisting his phone has been on all along.
“As a law-abiding citizen, I will comply with the DCI’s directive and present myself at the nearest police station,” Aroko posted to Facebook on the night of May 7, 2025.
Then, in a video filmed alongside his legal bulldog, Danstan Omari, Aroko spoke directly to camera, brushing off the DCI’s call-up with a wave of bravado.
“My name is Philip Aroko. I saw something on Twitter for the DCI that I am a person of interest in the death of murder of the late Mr Charles the MP for Kasipul. I have been around, my phone has been on. I am ready for anything, I don’t fear being summoned by the DCI, it’s normal,” he said confidently.
“I want to hear what they have against me. I will also respond to anything that is relevant, ok, so anytime, any day I am here, I am ready to defend myself,” Aroko added.
Diversionary tactics
Renowned criminal defence lawyer Danstan Omari was quick to throw his weight behind his client, accusing investigators of engaging in a political sideshow meant to redirect national attention away from Nairobi, where MP Ong’ondo Were was murdered in cold blood.
“My client Philip, his phone has been on he has been doing his business. My client has nothing to hide. There is no way the DCI can say that they are looking for Philip, he is available, I am with him, in les than 20 minutes I shall be taking him to the DCI Gigiri office for him to report,” Omari said.
The top barrister suggested the DCI summon was not about justice, but a smokescreen to drag the case into Kasipul’s murky political turf.
“This is a law-abiding citizen and as you can mark it this is a diversionary issue so that this, the death of the Member of Parliament, is taken to Kasipul Kabondo, not in Nairobi. We will be ready, my client is available, I will be with him at Gigiri police station shortly,” Omari added.
DCI’s stern warning
In its late-night public advisory, the DCI didn’t mince words, stating:
“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.”
Investigators went further, urging the public to assist in tracking Aroko down if necessary, despite his insistence that he’s been within reach all along.
“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 will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the statement read.
Murder that rocked the nation
MP Ong’ondo Were, a second-term legislator, was gunned down on April 30 in a ruthless assassination that police now believe involved an elaborate criminal network and insiders who may have helped coordinate the hit.
Nine persons of interest, including Were’s own driver and bodyguard, are already in custody.
One suspect, gunman William Imoli aka Omar Shakur, claimed he was paid Ksh80,000 by the MP’s bodyguard to drop off individuals near the murder scene.
The killing has shaken the country’s political establishment and opened a Pandora’s box of claims of gang ties, rogue cops, and betrayal from within.
With Aroko now in the spotlight and pledging full cooperation, all eyes will be on Gigiri Police Station in the coming hours and on what secrets he might spill.
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Martin Oduor
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