- Businessman and politician Phillip Aroko was brought to JKIA Law Courts after being missing for days.
- His arrest is connected to the ongoing probe into MP Charles Were’s killing.
- Investigators claim Aroko held meetings and financed people suspected in the case.
- Aroko pleaded to be held at Kileleshwa Police Station due to personal and family health reasons.
- Court gave police seven working days to hold him as DCI continues investigations.
- Other suspects also lost their bid to move the case to Milimani or Kibra courts.
There was tension and surprise at JKIA Law Courts on Thursday after the long-missing politician Phillip Aroko was finally brought before the court. His appearance came just hours after the High Court ordered police to disclose his whereabouts, following days of silence about his location. Aroko had been off the radar since his arrest, sparking concern from his legal team.
Aroko Tied to High-Profile Murder Case
As Aroko stood before the magistrate, prosecutors dropped a bombshell. He is now a key suspect in the murder investigation of Kasipul Kabondo MP Charles Were. According to state lawyers, early findings show Aroko had deep ties to the killing plot—through both communication records and financial dealings. Detectives claim meetings in Homa Bay, Nairobi, and Nakuru were used to plan the deadly mission.
Slain MP Had Previously Raised Alarm
The court was also told that the late MP had already reported threats to his life—allegedly made by Aroko. These reports were filed at the DCI offices in Nairobi weeks before his killing. Meanwhile, digital trails and bank transfers linked to Aroko are now under intense review as investigators try to unravel the full web behind the crime.
Witnesses in Hiding, Prosecution Seeks Time
With fear spreading among key witnesses—some of whom are said to have gone into hiding—the prosecution asked the court for 30 more days to hold Aroko as the probe continues. They argued the extension would help protect witnesses and ensure solid evidence is collected.
Aroko Pushes Back, Pleads for Mercy
Aroko, in response, dismissed the 30-day request as too harsh. He said he’s ready to cooperate fully and posed no threat to witnesses. The businessman also cited his personal health and his wife’s medical condition, pleading with the court to allow him to stay at Kileleshwa Police Station rather than the Kasarani station.
“Thirty days is too long. I’m on medication, I have a sick wife, and I pose no risk to the process,” he told the court.
Court Finds Middle Ground
In her ruling, Magistrate Irene Gichobi acknowledged Aroko’s willingness to cooperate. She allowed the DCI to keep him in custody for seven working days at Kileleshwa Police Station. This, she said, would give detectives enough time to gather evidence without violating his rights.
Co-Suspects Fail to Move Case
Meanwhile, five other suspects linked to the case—including the MP’s driver, bodyguard, and a neighbour—also appeared before the same court. They tried to shift their hearings to Milimani or Kibra courts, arguing the crime didn’t fall under JKIA’s jurisdiction.
But Magistrate Gichobi dismissed their request, noting the case is still at an early stage and no trial had begun yet.
“The application lacks merit. The matter is purely about custodial orders at this point,” she ruled.
With that cleared, the DCI is now set to request a 30-day detention period for the five suspects as they dig deeper into the case.
