Judge sets tough conditions before releasing Phillip Aroko
Businessman and politician Phillip Aroko, who is implicated in the case of the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were has been released from custody after the expiry of his seven-day custodial orders.
In a ruling on Friday, May 16, 2025, JKIA Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi set stringent conditions for the release of the businessman, who investigators believe has information related to the murder of the MP.
“The respondent will have to deposit a cash bail of Ksh300,000 with two contact persons, one of whom must be a close blood relative. The respondent shall also deposit his passport with the court pending the conclusion of this matter,” Justice Gichobi ruled.
Barred from visiting Homa Bay
In her ruling, the magistrate also barred Aroko from travelling to Homa Bay County, noting that this was the home county of the deceased.
Aroko was similarly barred from contacting family members or close relatives of the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were during the period of the case.
She ordered that Aroko must not reach out to any of the respondents, suspects or witnesses involved in the case during the period of his release.
“The respondent is not to contact any of the suspects or respondents, who have so far been arraigned in court during the pendency of this matter; so far, we have 12, including you, so you should not contact the remaining 11,” Justice Gichobi noted.
The magistrate equally ordered Aroko not to interfere in any way with any piece of evidence or witnesses or potential witnesses in the matter.
Report every 2 days
She ruled that Aroko reports to the investigating officer every two days at the DCI Homicide offices in Nairobi Area, or any other time the team of investigators may require him, and he should do so without hesitation.
Additionally, the businessman was ordered to furnish investigators with any piece of evidence or witness that could assist in unearthing the truth behind the shooting and killing of the Kasipul MP the late Charles Ong’ondo Were, which happened on April 30, 2025 at about 7:40 pm
The mention of the case has been set for June 3, 2025, to confirm the outcome of the investigations.
Ong’ondo Were was shot dead multiple times while stuck at a traffic stop along Ngong Road as he headed to his Nairobi home after work.
Police have since arrested 12 individuals they believe are persons of interest in the case, including the suspected hitmen involved in the murder.
