HOMA BAY, KENYA — Businessman Philip Nahashon Aroko has publicly accused Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga of orchestrating his summons by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in connection with the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Shortly after presenting himself to DCI officers in Nairobi on Wednesday night, Aroko vehemently denied any involvement in the assassination and asserted his innocence, expressing his readiness to cooperate fully with investigators.
However, he used the opportunity to launch a scathing political attack against the county leadership, specifically blaming Governor Wanga for what he described as a politically motivated smear campaign.
“The situation we are in is very unfortunate, and because it’s under investigation, I won’t comment much. The police have summoned me, and I am here. If anyone has questions, I am ready to answer,” Aroko stated. “But I want to tell the people of Homa Bay that the politics in that county has turned into madness — it’s no longer politics, it’s thuggery. I saw the governor pushing so hard for me to be summoned. She even made calls to the police. Well, she’s achieved it now.”
Aroko further alleged that individuals involved in political violence within the county are employed by the Homa Bay County government. “We are changing the politics in Kasipul from thuggery to civilized engagement. Those who fight, maim, and kill people are employees of the Homa Bay County government — they are on her payroll,” he claimed, without providing substantiating evidence.
Governor Wanga has not issued a public response to these allegations.
Aroko’s statements followed the DCI’s designation of him as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into MP Were’s murder. The agency issued a non-negotiable directive for him to surrender to the nearest police station.
“The DCI urges Philip Nahashon Aroko to present himself to the nearest police station without delay. This is not optional. His cooperation is vital to the progress of this investigation,” the agency stated on Wednesday evening.
Aroko, a Homa Bay County native and potential candidate for the Kasipul parliamentary seat in the 2027 elections, refuted claims that he was in hiding. His lawyer, Danstan Omari, affirmed that Aroko had been readily available and was prepared to fully cooperate with law enforcement.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that preliminary findings in the investigation have implicated individuals closely associated with the slain MP.
“It will shock you to learn that this heinous crime was executed in a cavalier manner by individuals who should have been protecting the Member of Parliament,” Murkomen stated during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Meru.
MP Were was fatally shot near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi, in what authorities suspect was a targeted assassination. As investigations intensify, police have arrested 10 suspects in connection with the murder.
