Philip Nahashon Aroko Biography: Early Life, Case, Education, Career, Latest News

Philip Nahashon Aroko, a politician and businessman from Homa Bay County, Kenya, has recently emerged as a polarizing figure due to his alleged involvement in the high-profile murder investigation of Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ong’ondo Were. Named a person of interest by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Aroko’s role in the case has thrust him into the national spotlight, sparking widespread curiosity about his background, career, and political ambitions. This article provides a detailed exploration of Aroko’s life, career, and the ongoing investigation, drawing on available sources to offer a comprehensive overview.

Philip Nahashon Aroko Early Life

Publicly available information about Philip Nahashon Aroko’s early life remains scarce, as his personal history has not been extensively documented in media reports or official records. Born in Homa Bay County, Kenya, Aroko’s exact date of birth, family background, and educational journey are not widely known. Unlike many prominent Kenyan politicians whose early lives are often chronicled, Aroko maintained a relatively low profile until his recent connection to the murder investigation of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.

While some sources mention his ties to Homa Bay County, they offer little insight into his childhood, upbringing, or formative experiences. It is unclear whether he pursued formal education or engaged in early professional ventures before entering the political and business arenas. The lack of detailed records about his early years suggests that Aroko was not a widely recognized public figure prior to the events of 2025. As the investigation unfolds, additional information about his background may come to light, potentially shedding more clarity on his origins and early influences.

Career

Philip Nahashon Aroko is primarily known as a politician and businessman from Homa Bay County, with his career gaining significant attention following his alleged connection to the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were on April 30, 2025. While his professional background prior to this incident is not well-documented, Aroko has been identified as an influential figure in local politics and business circles in Homa Bay, with aspirations to contest the Kasipul parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.

Political Involvement

Aroko’s political career appears to be centered in Homa Bay County, where he has been actively involved in community and political activities. Sources indicate that he launched several community projects, including water supply initiatives and youth empowerment programs, to endear himself to the residents of Kasipul Constituency. His polished public speaking skills and charismatic presence have been noted as appealing to both young and older voters, with speeches often emphasizing pro-people rhetoric and a vision for development in Kasipul.

Aroko’s political ambitions became particularly notable when he declared his intent to challenge Charles Ong’ondo Were for the Kasipul parliamentary seat in 2027, running on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. This ambition positioned him as a direct rival to Were, raising speculation about political motives in the MP’s assassination. However, prior to the murder case, Aroko’s political activities were not widely covered on a national scale, and his specific roles or achievements within the political sphere remain largely undocumented.

Business Ventures

In addition to his political activities, Aroko is recognized as a businessman with significant financial resources. His wealth and business dealings have been referenced in media reports, though specifics about his enterprises are limited. Notably, Aroko has been linked to controversial business activities in the past, including allegations of involvement in gold scams. In 2018, he was charged alongside businessman Jared Otieno for allegedly defrauding a foreign investor of KSh 23 million under the pretense of exporting gold to Dubai. He was also implicated in a separate KSh 300 million gold scam in Kileleshwa, though he denied being a central figure in these operations, claiming to be merely a driver. These allegations have added a layer of complexity to his public image, painting him as a controversial figure even before the murder investigation.

Public Attention

Aroko’s emergence in the national spotlight is largely tied to the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, which occurred on April 30, 2025, near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi. The incident, described by police as a “well-orchestrated crime,” involved two gunmen on a motorcycle who fatally shot the MP at close range. Aroko’s name surfaced in connection to the case after he posted a condolence message on social media, expressing sorrow over Were’s death and describing him as a “worthy competitor.” This message, initially seen as a gesture of goodwill, drew scrutiny when the DCI named him a person of interest, prompting widespread public and media interest in his background and potential motives.

Murder Investigation and Legal Developments

The investigation into the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were has been a focal point of Aroko’s recent public profile. On May 7, 2025, the DCI issued a public notice declaring Aroko a person of interest and urging him to surrender to the nearest police station for questioning. The agency emphasized that his cooperation was critical to the investigation, which has been described as complex and involving multiple suspects.

Aroko’s Response and Arrest

Aroko surrendered to the police at Gigiri Police Station on May 7, 2025, accompanied by his lawyer, Danstan Omari. He vehemently denied any involvement in the murder, asserting that he was a law-abiding citizen and dismissing the investigation as politically motivated. Aroko accused Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also serves as the ODM national chairperson, of orchestrating his summons as part of a smear campaign to undermine his political ambitions. He claimed that the county’s politics had descended into “thuggery” and suggested that Wanga’s influence was behind his legal troubles, though he provided no concrete evidence to support these allegations.

Following his surrender, Aroko was detained and appeared at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts on May 9, 2025. The court granted police a seven-day detention period to interrogate him, rejecting their request for a 30-day hold. During this period, investigators alleged that Aroko was linked to financial transactions that may have funded the assassination, with some suspects reportedly confessing to receiving payments ranging from KSh 50,000 to KSh 850,000 to facilitate the crime. Additionally, police cited evidence of organized meetings in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Homa Bay, as well as prior threats allegedly made by Aroko against Were, which were under investigation at the time of the MP’s death.

Bail and Rearrest

On May 16, 2025, Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi granted Aroko release on a KSh 300,000 cash bail, imposing strict conditions, including surrendering his passport, a ban on traveling to Homa Bay County, and prohibitions on contacting the victim’s family or tampering with evidence. However, just days later, on May 19, 2025, Aroko was rearrested following a High Court order overturning the JKIA court’s ruling. He was detained at Kileleshwa Police Station as investigators continued to probe his alleged role in financing the assassination.

On May 27, 2025, the Kibera High Court upheld Aroko’s release on the same KSh 300,000 bail, with Justice Diana Mochache reiterating the stringent conditions. Following his release, Aroko posted a cryptic message on Facebook, interpreted by some as suggesting his innocence and by others as a defiant gesture. This post sparked mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans alleging that his arrest was politically motivated to hinder his participation in the upcoming Kasipul by-election.

Acquittal and State Witness Status

In a significant development, on June 26, 2025, a Nairobi court acquitted Aroko of any direct links to Were’s murder, citing insufficient evidence. The court ruled that he would testify as a state witness in the ongoing trial, lifting all previous travel and contact restrictions. This decision marked a turning point, allowing Aroko to resume his political activities and return to Homa Bay County. His acquittal has bolstered his campaign for the Kasipul parliamentary seat, with some analysts suggesting that his exoneration could galvanize his political base.

Current Situation and Political Implications

As of September 2025, Philip Nahashon Aroko is no longer a suspect in the murder case and is actively preparing to testify as a state witness. The investigation into Were’s assassination continues, with ten suspects, including the MP’s bodyguard Allan Ogola Omondi, driver Walter Owino Awino, and neighbor Ebel Ochieng (alias Dave Calo), currently in custody. The case has been described as a “well-orchestrated crime,” with police relying on CCTV footage, forensic analysis of mobile phones, and financial records to identify the perpetrators and their motives.

Aroko’s political ambitions remain intact, and he is among the contenders for the Kasipul parliamentary seat in the by-election triggered by Were’s death. His primary rival, Boyd Were, the late MP’s son, has been actively campaigning, supported by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and the ODM party. Aroko’s allegations of political interference by Wanga have added a layer of tension to the by-election, with some voters perceiving the ODM’s nomination process as potentially biased. Despite these challenges, Aroko’s acquittal and his return to Kasipul have positioned him as a formidable candidate, with his community projects and public speaking skills likely to play a significant role in his campaign.

FAQs

Who is Philip Nahashon Aroko?

Philip Nahashon Aroko is a politician and businessman from Homa Bay County, Kenya, who gained national attention due to his initial connection to the murder investigation of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were. He was acquitted in June 2025 and is now a state witness in the case.

Why was Philip Aroko wanted by authorities?

Aroko was named a person of interest by the DCI in May 2025 due to alleged financial transactions and prior threats linked to the assassination of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were. He was later cleared of direct involvement.

Has Philip Aroko been arrested?

Aroko surrendered to police on May 7, 2025, and was detained for questioning. He was released on bail twice but rearrested briefly before being acquitted on June 26, 2025.

What is Philip Aroko’s political background?

Aroko is a political figure in Homa Bay County with ambitions to contest the Kasipul parliamentary seat in 2027. He has been involved in community projects and is known for his eloquent public speaking, though his political career was relatively low-profile before the murder case.

What is the status of the Kasipul MP murder investigation?

As of September 2025, the investigation is ongoing, with ten suspects in custody. The case is considered complex, with police analyzing CCTV footage and financial records to uncover the motive and perpetrators behind the targeted assassination.

Conclusion

Philip Nahashon Aroko’s journey from a relatively obscure politician and businessman to a central figure in a high-profile murder investigation has captivated Kenya’s political landscape. His acquittal in June 2025 and his transition to a state witness have shifted the narrative, allowing him to refocus on his political ambitions in Kasipul. As the by-election approaches, Aroko’s role in the community and his rivalry with other candidates, including Boyd Were, will likely shape the political dynamics in Homa Bay County. The ongoing investigation into Charles Ong’ondo Were’s assassination continues to unfold, with Aroko’s testimony expected to provide critical insights into one of Kenya’s most closely watched criminal cases.