Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Politician and businessman Philip Aroko, who is connected to the murder of late Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were, has been released on KSh 300,000 bail.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, May 16, JKIA Law Courts Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi issued a set of stringent conditions for the release of Aroko.

Among the conditions imposed by the court, Aroko is strictly barred from travelling to Homa Bay County at any time during the ongoing investigation.

The court further prohibited him from contacting members of the slain lawmaker’s family or engaging with any other individuals suspected of being connected to the murder.

Magistrate Gichobi also directed Aroko to report to investigating officers on a regular basis and to fully cooperate by providing any evidence or information deemed relevant to the case.

In addition, the court ordered him to surrender his passport to prevent the risk of flight.

To preserve the integrity of the investigation, Aroko was also warned against interfering with any evidence or attempting to influence the ongoing legal process in any way.

The court emphasised that any breach of these conditions could result in the revocation of his release.

The magistrate’s ruling followed her dismissal of a request by the Director of Public Prosecutions to extend Aroko’s detention by another seven days.

The court ruling came just days after Aroko announced his intention to honour the late former Kasipul MP, despite being under investigation in connection with his death.

Speaking before High Court Judge Alexander Muteti on Monday, May 12, Aroko's lawyer, Danstan Omari, said his client had originally planned to attend the funeral of the late MP.

However, those plans changed after Aroko was taken into custody and detained.

Omari further told the court that Aroko intended to visit Were's gravesite to offer prayers once released.

Omari emphasised that, in line with African cultural traditions, mourning and funeral rites often extend beyond the day of burial.

He said Aroko hoped to pay his final respects in a culturally appropriate manner once the ongoing investigations are complete.

Omari further stated that Aroko remains committed to his political aspirations and still hoped to vie for the Kasipul parliamentary seat.

He planned to engage with residents and reconnect with the community once he is cleared by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Source: TUKO.co.ke