In a dramatic turn of events, Scophine Aoko Otieno, also known as Maverick Aoko, has been formally charged in court today August 19, 2024.
The complainant in the case has been identified as Beth Wambui Mbuitu.
Aoko faces three charges.
In count one, she has been charged with publishing false information under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.
In count two, Aoko has been charged with cyber harassment contrary to Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes.
In the third count, she has been charged with fraudulent use of electronic data contrary to Section 38 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.
The charge sheet accuses Aoko of disseminating false and defamatory information about Wambui on her X account, previously known as Twitter.
The document states, “On the 3rd day of August 2024 at unknown place within the Republic of Kenya, jointly with others not before the court, knowingly and unlawfully published false, defamatory and threatening information online, while using the X Corp Account dubbed: Maverick Aoko @AokoOtieno_.”
Wambui claims that Aoko’s online posts were intentionally malicious, designed to incite fear and damage her professional reputation and personal well-being.
The charge sheet details, “Knowing it [Aoko’s post on X] to be malicious, false and well-calculated to cause fear, panic and destroy the reputation and professional career income and livelihood of one Beth Wambui Mbuitu.”
Aoko was apprehended on Friday, August 16, 2024, and spent the weekend in police custody before her court appearance.
Her detention sparked widespread social media discussion, with various public figures, including her frenemy activist Hanifa Farsafi, advocating for her release.
Prior to her court appearance, there was considerable speculation regarding the nature of Aoko’s legal troubles and the identity of the complainant.
Many observers initially presumed the State might be behind the charges due to Aoko’s history of criticizing government officials.
Aoko’s provocative social media activity has previously landed her in legal controversies, often creating friction with multiple individuals.