Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has shared his concerns over the recent disappearance of Scophine Aoko Otieno, a polarizing social media figure widely recognized as Maverick Aoko.
Aoko, known for her controversial statements online, has been missing for days, according to Owino’s recent post on X (formerly Twitter).
“@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.
The post has amplified growing concerns over Aoko’s absence among her followers and the Kenyan public.
LSK
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo 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.”
Odhiambo also addressed the importance of following legal protocols when dealing with individuals like Aoko, who may stir public outcry with provocative statements.
“People may say things that are not pleasant for you; however, there are laws to govern the same. Let us deal with people within the confines of the law.”
Troubles galore
Aoko’s social media activity has led to a series of legal entanglements.
Her last arrest was on August 16, 2024, after which she spent a weekend in police custody.
She was subsequently charged in court on August 19, 2024.
The charges included publishing false information under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018, cyber harassment under Section 27, and fraudulent use of electronic data under Section 38 of the same act.
The charge sheet outlined accusations that Aoko had shared defamatory information about Beth Wambui Mbuitu on her X account.
“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_,” the document stated.
Wambui claims that Aoko’s online posts were intentionally malicious, designed to incite fear and damage her professional reputation and personal well-being.
“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.”
As her supporters await updates on her whereabouts, Maverick Aoko’s case highlights broader concerns over free expression, the rule of law, and security in Kenya.
