Kenya, May 7 -- Philip Nahashon Aroko, a key person of interest in the brutal assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament Hon. Charles Ong'ondo Were, has surrendered to authorities at Gigiri Police Station, marking a significant development in the high-profile murder case.
The surrender, confirmed late Tuesday evening, follows a public alert issued earlier by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which urged Aroko to turn himself in immediately for questioning regarding the targeted killing of the opposition legislator.
The DCI's alert, posted on X at 20:08 EAT, described Aroko as a critical figure in the ongoing probe into Were's death, which occurred on the evening of April 30, 2025, along Ngong Road in Nairobi.
The 45-year-old MP, serving his second term under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was fatally shot by gunmen on a motorcycle as his vehicle idled at a traffic light near the City Mortuary roundabout.
Police have characterized the attack as "targeted and premeditated," citing forensic evidence and CCTV footage that revealed a meticulously planned operation.
Aroko, an aspiring Kasipul MP, resurfaced dramatically on Tuesday night, accompanied by prominent lawyer Danstan Omari, to surrender at Gigiri Police Station, a move that has sparked intense public and political discourse.
In a statement shared on X, Aroko vowed to cooperate with the DCI, dismissing the murder allegations as a "cheap diversion" and hinting at a broader conspiracy. "I am ready to face the DCI in Gilgil and clear my name. These accusations are a distraction from the truth," he reportedly told supporters.
The surrender comes after a rapid escalation in the investigation, which has already seen four suspects-William Imoli Shighali (alias Omar Shakur), Douglas Muchiri Wambugu, David Mihigo Kagame, and police officer Juma Ali Hikal-arraigned in connection with the killing.
The DCI has linked some of these individuals to the notorious 'Mjahidin' gang, known for armed robberies in Nairobi's Eastlands area, raising questions about the involvement of organized crime in the MP's death.
Authorities have also recovered a vehicle believed to have trailed Were from Parliament to the crime scene, along with forensic evidence tying the suspects to the assassination.
CCTV footage has been pivotal in the investigation, revealing chilling details of how the assailants stalked Were.
Detectives have reconstructed the MP's movements, showing that the killers, riding a high-performance motorcycle, followed his white Toyota Crown through a series of roads, including Kenyatta Avenue, Jakaya Kikwete Road, and Argwings Kodhek Road, before striking at the Ngong Road junction.
The footage also captured a man closely observing and trailing Were, further corroborating the police's assertion of a well-orchestrated hit.
Were's murder has sent shockwaves across Kenya, reigniting concerns about the safety of elected officials and the resurgence of political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The MP had previously reported threats to his life to the DCI, a claim substantiated by his sister-in-law, Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo, who alleged that the perpetrators were "known" and that Homa Bay's political climate was increasingly volatile.
"My brother-in-law never missed a session of Parliament. He had warned of danger, and now he's gone. This violence must be tamed," Gogo said in a statement at Nairobi Hospital, where Were was pronounced dead.
The slain legislator's family and colleagues have painted a complex portrait of Were, describing him as a dedicated public servant who was nonetheless embroiled in local controversies.
Reports indicate that Were had accused political opponents of inciting chaos in Kasipul, citing incidents such as a funeral disruption in Nyatindo East Kamagak ward and an attack on his vehicle. Conversely, some residents and leaders, including Oyugis Town MCA Odoyo Owidi, have accused Were of sponsoring goons, linking him to violent incidents, including the 2024 murder of Evans Okoda, a former bodyguard of ex-Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero.
These allegations, though unproven, have fueled speculation about the motive behind his killing, with theories ranging from political rivalry to personal vendettas.
Aroko's surrender has intensified scrutiny on the political dynamics in Kasipul and Homa Bay County, where tensions have simmered for years. As an aspiring MP, Aroko's alleged involvement has raised eyebrows, with some suggesting his candidacy may have placed him at odds with Were's political machine. However, his decision to turn himself in, flanked by legal counsel, has been interpreted by supporters as a bold move to counter what they claim is a smear campaign.
The DCI, led by Director Mohamed Amin, has vowed to pursue all leads, with investigators now searching for a mysterious mobile phone believed to have been used by the prime suspect to coordinate the attack.
Preliminary findings suggest the device was dedicated to the murder operation, and its recovery could unlock critical details about the masterminds behind the assassination.
President William Ruto, speaking at an interdenominational church service in Migori County, condemned Were's killing and promised swift justice. "Those responsible will not go scot-free. We will go after them and their collaborators," Ruto declared, echoing calls from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and ODM leader Raila Odinga for a thorough investigation.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has similarly urged Nyanza leaders to eschew political violence, warning that unchecked unrest could destabilize the region.
As the investigation unfolds, Were's murder has joined a grim list of assassinations of Kenyan MPs, including Tom Mboya (1969), Josiah Mwangi Kariuki (1975), and George Muchai (2015), many of which remain unsolved.
The case has reignited demands for enhanced security for legislators, with questions raised about why Were, despite reported threats, was traveling with only one bodyguard, who was caught off guard during the attack.
Aroko's surrender is expected to provide fresh momentum to the probe, though it remains unclear whether he will be charged or merely questioned as a witness.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.