The assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were on April 30, 2025, shocked the nation and raised critical questions about security, political rivalry, and justice in Kenya. Among the names that have since surfaced in the ongoing investigations is that of businessman and philanthropist Philip Nahashon Aroko—a man whose rising influence in Kasipul has now become the subject of intense public scrutiny.
Who Is Philip Nahashon Aroko?
Philip Nahashon Aroko is a Homa Bay-based businessman and community leader known for his philanthropic work through the Philip Aroko Foundation. Over the years, he has built a name as a generous supporter of education, offering scholarships and bursaries to needy students across the Kasipul constituency. His foundation has assisted hundreds of families struggling to pay school fees, positioning Aroko as a beloved figure among many youth and parents.
But behind the philanthropy was a growing political presence. Aroko had expressed interest in contesting the Kasipul parliamentary seat in the 2027 general elections—an ambition that would inevitably pit him against the late MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Rising Tensions in Kasipul
The rivalry between Aroko and Were was no secret. The two had competing camps within Kasipul, each rallying support and staking claims to community leadership. Were had, on several occasions, voiced fears about threats to his safety. He described incidents where his vehicle was attacked, his staff members were assaulted, and public functions turned chaotic due to confrontations allegedly fueled by political opponents.
Although no formal accusations were made against Aroko at the time, the public began to note the simmering tensions between the two figures. Their competition was not just political—it represented a generational clash between an established leader and a rising challenger with deep pockets and a loyal following.
The Assassination of Charles Ong’ondo Were
On the night of April 30, 2025, tragedy struck. MP Were was shot dead while seated in his vehicle in Nairobi along Valley Road near City Mortuary. Eyewitness reports describe a chilling execution-style murder, where gunmen on a motorcycle pulled up alongside his car and opened fire before speeding away. The assassination stunned the country and sparked widespread outrage.
The incident was especially disturbing considering the late MP’s earlier complaints about threats to his life. Calls for justice grew louder as investigations were launched at the highest levels.
Aroko Named as Person of Interest
Less than a week after the assassination, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) released a public notice identifying Philip Nahashon Aroko as a person of interest in the ongoing investigations. The DCI urged him to present himself at any police station for questioning.
The development set off a media storm. Almost immediately, Aroko surrendered himself at Gigiri Police Station in Nairobi, accompanied by his legal counsel. Speaking to journalists outside the station, he denied any involvement in the murder and insisted that he was not hiding from the authorities.
“I am a law-abiding citizen. I have nothing to do with the death of the MP. I have always served the community, not harmed it.”
His lawyer condemned what he described as political persecution, arguing that Aroko’s name was being dragged into the matter unfairly due to his growing political profile.
Public Reaction and Investigation Status
The public response has been divided. Some continue to rally behind Aroko, citing his long-standing charitable work and community support. Others remain skeptical, urging the authorities to investigate every angle thoroughly—including the political rivalry that may have escalated to fatal consequences.
Security agencies have confirmed that both civilian and possible police involvement in the assassination are under investigation. Multiple suspects have been questioned, and forensic experts are piecing together CCTV footage, phone records, and witness testimonies to build a clear narrative.
What Lies Ahead?
As of now, Philip Nahashon Aroko remains under investigation but has not been formally charged with any offense. Whether he emerges cleared of suspicion or further implicated will depend on the findings of the DCI and other investigative bodies.
One thing is clear: the assassination of Charles Ong’ondo Were has exposed dangerous fault lines within Kenya’s political landscape. The intersection of power, ambition, and influence in constituencies like Kasipul has created environments where rivalry can spiral out of control—with deadly consequences.
The nation waits for justice. And for Philip Aroko, the spotlight has shifted from philanthropy to proving his innocence in one of the most high-profile political murders of the year.