Philip Nahashon Aroko is a Kenyan businessman hailing from Homa Bay County, recently thrust into the spotlight due to his alleged involvement in the murder investigation of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were. The assassination, which occurred on April 30, 2025, near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi, has drawn significant media attention. Aroko, named a person of interest by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), surrendered to authorities at Gigiri Police Station and has vehemently denied any role in the crime. Beyond this controversy, Aroko is noted for his political ambitions, with reports indicating his interest in contesting the Kasipul parliamentary seat in the 2027 general election. Despite his recent prominence, detailed personal information about Aroko remains scarce, reflecting a relatively low public profile prior to these events.
Personal Details
The following table compiles the available personal details about Philip Nahashon Aroko, based on credible sources:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Philip Nahashon Aroko |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Native County | Homa Bay County |
| Political Involvement | Potential aspirant for Kasipul parliamentary seat in 2027 |
| Legal Representation | Lawyer Danstan Omari |
| Current Status | Surrendered to police, denies involvement in MP Charles Ong’ondo Were’s murder |
| Previous Incident | Linked to 2018 gold scam involving a Brazilian national in Nairobi |
These details are drawn from news reports and public statements, as Aroko has not maintained a significant online presence or shared extensive personal information publicly.
Background and Business Activities
Philip Nahashon Aroko is identified as a businessman, though specific details about his enterprises are not widely documented. His business activities appear to be based in Kenya, with a focus on Homa Bay County, where he is a known figure. In 2018, Aroko was reportedly linked to a gold scam involving a Brazilian national in Nairobi, an incident that suggests involvement in high-stakes business dealings, though further details are limited (Capital FM: Businessman Wanted Over MP Were’s Murder). This prior incident indicates that Aroko may have operated in complex or controversial business environments, though no convictions or specific outcomes from this case are noted in available sources.
Political Aspirations
Aroko has expressed interest in entering the political arena, with reports indicating his intention to contest the Kasipul parliamentary seat in the 2027 general election. This ambition aligns with his status as a recognized political figure in Homa Bay County, where he has likely built connections within local political and community circles. His political involvement adds context to his current situation, as the murder of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, the incumbent Kasipul MP, has raised questions about potential political motives, though no evidence directly implicates Aroko at this stage (Tuko.co.ke: DCI Links Homa Bay Politician).
Involvement in the Murder Investigation
On April 30, 2025, Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was fatally shot near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi, an incident described as a premeditated assassination. The DCI issued a public notice on May 7, 2025, naming Philip Nahashon Aroko as a person of interest and urging him to surrender immediately for questioning. The agency emphasized that compliance was mandatory, and public assistance was sought to locate him (The Standard: Businessman Asked to Surrender).
Aroko responded promptly, presenting himself at Gigiri Police Station on the evening of May 7, 2025, accompanied by his lawyer, Danstan Omari. In a statement, Aroko asserted his innocence, noting that he had not been in hiding and was unaware of the summons until seeing it on X. He stated, “I have nothing to do with the death of the MP,” and accused authorities of politicizing the investigation (Capital FM: Aroko Surrenders to Police). Interestingly, Aroko had posted a condolence message on Facebook on May 1, 2025, expressing sorrow over Were’s death, which some Kenyans later highlighted as notable given his subsequent status as a person of interest (Tuko.co.ke: Kenyans Unearth Post).
The investigation remains ongoing, with at least six other individuals reportedly in custody. Aroko’s cooperation with authorities and his public denial of involvement suggest a complex case, with no definitive evidence linking him to the crime as of the latest reports.
Public Presence and Social Media
Aroko’s public presence is limited, with minimal personal details available online. His Facebook activity, including the condolence message posted on May 1, 2025, indicates some engagement on social media platforms, though he does not appear to maintain a high-profile digital footprint. The DCI’s use of X to issue its summons and Aroko’s reference to seeing the notice on X highlight the role of social media in this case (The Standard: Businessman Asked to Surrender).
Significance and Controversy
The case surrounding Philip Nahashon Aroko is sensitive due to its connection to a high-profile political assassination. The naming of Aroko as a person of interest has sparked public interest and speculation, particularly given his political ambitions and the timing of the incident. However, his swift surrender and denial of involvement underscore the need for caution in interpreting his role. The involvement of prominent lawyer Danstan Omari and Aroko’s claims of political motivations in the investigation add layers of complexity, suggesting that the case may have broader political or social implications in Homa Bay County and beyond.
Conclusion
Philip Nahashon Aroko is a Kenyan businessman and aspiring politician from Homa Bay County whose recent designation as a person of interest in the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were has brought him into the national spotlight. While he has denied any involvement and surrendered to authorities, the ongoing investigation continues to draw attention. Aroko’s limited public profile, combined with his political ambitions and past business controversies, paints a picture of a complex individual navigating a high-stakes situation. As the investigation progresses, further details may emerge to clarify his role and background.
