A Nairobi court has ordered the 30-day detention of Isaac Kuria, the primary suspect in the assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong'ondo Were. Kuria, also known as "Kush", was apprehended in Isebania, near the Kenya-Tanzania border, while allegedly attempting to flee the country. His arrest follows a manhunt launched by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) after the MP's fatal shooting on Valley Road in Nairobi.

Court documents indicate Kuria is suspected of direct involvement in the killing, believed to be part of a premeditated plot. Investigators say Kuria fled the scene, discarding the murder weapon in Mihango before moving to Narok and Isebania. During interrogation, Kuria reportedly provided critical information and named other individuals involved in the assassination plot. A second suspect arrested with him has also been detained.

Kuria is the eleventh suspect taken into custody, joining others including Were’s bodyguard Allan Omondi, driver Walter Owino, and William Imoli, alleged to have orchestrated and financed the operation. Additional suspects include businessman Phillip Aroko, Lake Basin Development Authority director Ebel Ochieng, and Edwin Oduor and Dennis Manyasi.

Detectives say Kuria has ties to criminal networks in Nairobi and was communicating with individuals in Tanzania. Intelligence gathered through surveillance played a role in his capture. The DCI is focusing on financial trails and political affiliations to determine the motive. Sources suggest the killing was politically motivated and meticulously planned.

Businessman Philip Nahashon Aroko, also linked to the murder, will remain in custody pending investigations after the High Court allowed the withdrawal of his petition challenging his detention's legality. Justice Alexander Muteti instructed the DCI to continue holding Aroko. Aroko's lawyers, Danstan Omari and Sam Nyaberi, withdrew the petition where he accused police of violating his constitutional rights by unlawful detention.

Aroko had sought to be produced in court, alleging he was held beyond the 24-hour constitutional limit without being presented before a magistrate. He reported to Gigiri Police Station on May 7, 2025, following a DCI summons but was not arraigned by the end of May 8. Justice Muteti ordered his production on May 9.

Aroko was eventually brought before the court by officers from the Office of the Inspector General and the DCI, his defence opting to withdraw the petition. The court was informed that Aroko had been arraigned at the JKIA Law Courts on May 9, where a magistrate granted a seven-day custodial order for investigations. Omari stated Aroko had not committed any offense and is ready to be investigated, denying involvement in the shooting.

State Counsel Gikui Gichuhi stated Aroko was booked at Kasarani Police Station on May 8 and presented before a court within the constitutionally allowed time. Justice Muteti accepted the explanation, ruling Aroko’s detention lawful based on the JKIA court order, and directed he remain in custody for seven days pending investigation, which may lead to murder charges against him and 11 other suspects.

Other suspects linked to the killing include MP Were’s bodyguard Allan Ogola Omondi, driver Walter Owino Awino, and Lake Basin Development Authority director Ebel Ochieng. Detectives recovered two pistols, ammunition, a bag, and footwear matching items worn by the shooter during the arrest of Edwin Oduor Odhiambo and Dennis Sewe Manyasi.

Investigators allege communication among the 12 suspects links them to the planning and execution of the MP’s murder. They are analyzing CCTV footage from Parliament to City Mortuary, where the MP was killed. Inspector Oliver Nabonwe told the court that interviews revealed the suspects have crucial information that could unravel the murder and lead to further arrests.

Aroko is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and had expressed interest in contesting the Kasipul parliamentary seat in 2027. In May 2019, he was charged with obtaining Sh300 million from Sounthorn Chanthavong under the pretense of selling him gold. The charges were later withdrawn. In 2010, Aroko was charged with the theft of Sh80 million from a Co-operative Bank branch. In 2018, he was linked to a Sh23 million gold scam involving a Brazilian national, which was also dropped.