Kenyans have continued to question the whereabouts of online activist Scophine Aoko Otieno alias Maverick Aoko, who has been inactive in the online space.
Aoko, who has been a vocal government critic on X lastly posted on her X account on October 22, 2024, before going mute across all platforms.
On October 28, 2024, a statement was issued through her X account, claiming to be from her aide revealing the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
According to the statement, Aoko had travelled from her rural home to attend aa meeting and a court session. However, she found that her house in Nairobi had been broken into.
“Hi, this is Aoko’s aide. I’m tweeting using her account with the blessings of her dad. After her arrest, she opted to stay with family upcountry only going to Nairobi for meetings & Court. Two weeks ago, upon her return to Nairobi, she found her main door clobbered at the hinges. She called me panicked. I asked her to take pictures and leave. She decided not to say it to prevent drawing attention that she was around,” the statement read in part.
The statement claims that family and friends thought that the former journalist had decided to stay low after sensitive posts she had done online, only to discover she could have disappeared.
“We still don’t know her whereabouts. To whom do we report? If they (the police) took her, we’re asking that they produce her, if she is hiding, we pray that she is safe and will reach out in whatever discreet way just so we can all have peace of mind,” the statement added.
Leaders on Aoko’s whereabouts
In a statement on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah called on the police to produce the activist, in case they had arrested her.
The police are yet to issue a public statement to confirm whether the activist is in their custody or not.
“Every individual has the inherent right not to be held incommunicado. This fundamental principle is essential for ensuring justice and protecting human rights. We call upon the @NPSOfficial_KE @PoliceKE @DCI_Kenya to uphold @AokoOtieno_ rights and to provide her with immediate access to legal representation and communication with her family,” Omtatah stated.
“It is vital that she is treated with dignity and respect, as guaranteed under both national and international human rights laws. We demand transparency in the circumstances surrounding her arrest and immediate assurances that her rights are being protected. Let us remain vigilant in advocating for Aoko and all activists who courageously speak out for justice and equality.”
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has also shared his concerns over the recent disappearance of Aoko.
“@AokoOtieno_ has been missing for days and her whereabouts is not known. I have reached out to her family members and close friends, but no one knows where she is!!” Babu Owino said in a public message on Monday, October 28, 2024.
A similar concern was also expressed by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo on Sunday, October 27, 2024, who appealed to the public for assistance in locating Aoko.
Speaking outside Kamukunji Police Station after visiting activist Boniface Mwangi, Odhiambo emphasized the importance of supporting anyone who may be missing and urged anyone with information on Aoko’s whereabouts to contact the LSK hotline.
“With regards to Aoko, we’ve heard that she is missing, and we are asking for any information. Our hotline is still working; please reach out to the Law Society of Kenya. Every single life counts,” she said.
Adding, “So we ask that whoever is holding her…she should be released effective immediately. Let’s not be a country that we live in intimidation or we live in fear. Kenya is our country, Kenya is our home. Let us fight to ensure that we uphold the rule of law, that every single person feels that they have a right to enjoy their rights fully in this country.”
