New details have emerged regarding the arrest of popular X blogger and feminist Maverick Aoko, whose real name is Scophine Aoko Otieno.
Aoko was arrested on Friday, August 16, for her controversial posts on social media.
Her arrest followed several complaints about her social media posts. DCI officers stormed her home with over three Subaru vehicles, arresting her and seizing her electronics, including phones and a laptop.
While it is unclear who reported Aoko to the police, here are a few posts she made on X, and which could be the reason behind her legal woes.
Her lawyers, Cliff Ombeta and Ivy Ateko, visited her at the DCI headquarters, where she’s being held. They reported that Aoko is in severe pain because she was denied her medication during the arrest.
Ombeta shared, “Aoko is unwell and in a lot of pain. She was prevented from carrying her medication during her arrest.”
The lawyers also explained that the police refused to release Aoko on bond, under orders from above.
“They have refused to release Aoko on police bond on the basis that they have orders from above not to do so,” Ombeta said.
Aoko is now waiting for her bail hearing scheduled for Monday, August 19.
Her lawyers are setting up a paybill to collect contributions from well-wishers to help with her bail.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who visited her at the DCI headquarters, called the charges against her “vexatious, frivolous, fickle, and limping.”
Hanifa Farsafi Visits Maverick Aoko Despite Earlier Disagreements
Surprisingly, human rights activist Hanifa Farsafi, who first celebrated Aoko’s arrest, is now supporting her. Hanifa, who previously spoke harshly about Aoko, visited her in jail and shared a photo of them together on social media.
Hanifa wrote, “Met with @AokoOtieno_ she’s doing well and sends her regards and love to you all and says Aluta Continua!!!!! She will be arraigned at Milimani court on Monday and we will be there too.”
Before this visit, Hanifa had been openly hostile towards Aoko, expressing her disdain in a series of now-deleted posts.
In one post, she wrote, “I hope and pray that the cells are extremely cold tonight.”
In another, she sarcastically suggested that Aoko should be defended by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, writing, “Aende apiganiwe na Babu Owino mbwa yeye.”
However, Hanifa changed her mind after visiting Aoko in jail. She explained that her stand against oppression was stronger than her personal feelings toward Aoko.
“Fine. I withdraw my aggression and vulgarity towards Aoko. As hurt and as wronged as I am, I do not support the oppression and abductions by the state. #FreeAoko #FreeAoko #FreeAoko,” Hanifa wrote on X.
By Vivian K.