She appeared at the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, August 19 on accusations of posting false information about Beth Wambui Mbuitu through her X account on August 3, 2024.
Social media enthusiast Scorphine Maverick Aoko Otieno has been released on a cash bail of Ksh100,000, two days after she was arrested and detained over several posts she made online.
Police on Friday, August 16 reportedly stormed her house, seized her phones and laptop, and later took her to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for questioning. She spent the weekend in police custody.
She appeared at the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, August 19 on accusations of posting false information about Beth Wambui Mbuitu through her X account on August 3, 2024.
Aoko faced three charges. In the first count, she was charged with publishing false information under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.
Social media personality Scorphine Atieno Aoko popularly known as Maverick Aoko. /FILE
In count two, Aoko was charged with cyber harassment contrary to Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes.
In the third count, she was charged with fraudulent use of electronic data contrary to Section 38 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.
“On the 3rd day of August 2024 at an unknown place within the Republic of Kenya, jointly with others not before the court, while using the X Corp Account dubbed: Maverick Aoko knowingly and without lawful excuse, posted false information to wit ‘… “Maze it disorients me to say this… But Amber Ray is innocent.
“She did not ruin marriage ya Jamal and Amira… Beth did … She’s the daughter of a powerful cop so if you find me thrown Kware, refer to this tweet … Ask how Jamal moved from Makanga wa south C to Matatu boss … Ndio inaanza,” a charge sheet seen by Viral Tea read in part.
In a statement via her X account, Aoko’s aide revealed that the cash bail was paid by Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino. “However, they have refused to release her phones and laptop, which are her tools of the trade,” the aide lamented.
Wambui claimed that Aoko’s online posts were intentionally malicious, designed to incite fear and damage her professional reputation and personal well-being.
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.
At the time of her arrest, her lawyer, Cliff Ombeta, initially reported that Aoko had been denied the opportunity to talk to her lawyer.
“They have finally allowed my colleague to see her. I have also spoken to her. Thanks, Ivy Ateko for attending Aoko Otieno,” Ombeta said.
