The manhunt is on.
Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned Philip Nahashon Aroko, naming him a key figure in the murder investigation of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Authorities have ordered Aroko to present himself at the nearest police station without delay.
“He is a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into the brutal murder of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were,” the DCI stated in a notice shared on social media. “Compliance with this request is mandatory.”
The appeal to the public was urgent. “Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the nearest police station or call our toll-free numbers. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” the statement added.
MP Were was shot dead on the evening of April 30 in a chilling attack during rush-hour traffic in Nairobi. A gunman opened fire before escaping on a motorbike with an accomplice.
The murder shocked the nation.
Since then, investigators have arrested nine people. Among them are the MP’s own bodyguard, Allan Omondi Ogolla, and his driver, Walter Owino. Police believe the two may have been part of a wider plot involving a criminal gang.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told reporters the killing involved individuals close to the legislator.
“We’ve made very significant progress,” he said at a press briefing. “This was a heinous crime carried out in a cavalier manner. What’s even more disturbing is that people close to him—those who should have protected him—were involved.”
Murkomen promised justice.
“The suspects will be brought to book. Their punishment will serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can escape the law,” he said.
Investigators have also recovered the suspected murder weapon. Forensic teams are analysing it to determine the links to the crime.
As the search for Aroko continues, pressure is mounting on authorities to explain how such a breach of trust and security could happen so close to home.
