Philip Aroko: Politician Linked to MP Were's Murder Freed on Bail, Barred from Visiting Homa Bay
- Philip Aroko, linked to Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were's assassination, has been released on KSh 300,000 cash bail by the Kibera High Court
- Justice Diana Kavedza ordered Aroko to deposit his passport with the court and barred him from contacting witnesses
- The court ruling follows investigators' submission that they have gathered sufficient evidence, including Aroko’s written statement, during his custody
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Kasipul politician Philip Aroko, who is linked to the murder of MP Charles Ong'ondo Were, has been released on bail.
Source: Facebook
Why Kibera court released Philip Aroko on bail
On Tuesday, May 27, Kibera High Court judge Diana Kavedza ordered the businessman to be freed on cash bail of KSh 300,000 issued earlier by the JKIA court.
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"Having so far, I issue the following orders, as previously said. First, the respondent is admitted to a cash rate of 300,000. If already deposited, do not deposit again," Justice Kavedza ordered.
The judge issued other bail conditions that Aroko is required to abide by until the application before the court is heard and determined.
Aroko has been ordered to deposit his passport with the court and barred from contacting any witness or suspect linked to Were's assassination.
""The respondent is barred and prohibited from the following. In any way, try to access the witnesses, the victims, and the suspects being held in custody, either by yourself or through proxy. The respondent shall deposit his passport with the deputy registrar of Kibera High Court," the judge ruled.
The businessman has also been barred from setting foot in Homa Bay county or from being seen anywhere near the boundary of Homa Bay county.
"And finally, the respondent shall not set foot in Homa Bay, or be seen anywhere near the boundary of Homa Bay county, pending finalisation of the application before his court. That is the order of the court," Justice Kavedza stated.
Source: Facebook
The ruling by Justice Kavedza comes after the investigators told the court that they have pieced together the required evidence, including Aroko's written statement.
"With the 7 days you provided to the prosecution, we have been able to cover areas, the days have been utilised sufficiently in custody," the court was told.
Aroko, representing himself, told the court that he would abide by the directions issued by the judge.
Was Philip Aroko planning to visit Were's home?
Earlier, the businessman, who intends to contest for the MP seat, announced plans to pay tribute to the former Kasipul lawmaker, despite being associated with his death.
On Monday, May 12, lawyer Danstan Omari informed High Court Judge Alexander Muteti that his client had initially planned to attend Were’s burial.
Omari added that, according to African customs, funerals often last several days, and his client wishes to pray for Were’s soul once the investigations involving him have concluded.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
