Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has paid the Ksh 100,000 cash bail imposed on social media influencer Scophine Aoko Otieno, also known as Maverick Aoko, following her arraignment in court over allegations of cybercrime.
Owino acted swiftly to clear the bail minutes after the court granted Aoko’s release, underscoring his support for the controversial influencer.
Aoko was released on Monday by Milimani Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi, who ordered her release on a Ksh 100,000 cash bail, with an alternative personal bond of Ksh 200,000. The prosecution was unable to provide compelling reasons to deny Aoko bail pending trial.
The charges against Aoko, brought by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, include cyber harassment, fraudulent use of electronic data, and publishing false information about Beth Wambui Mbuitu on X (formerly Twitter). It was alleged that Aoko posted a malicious and false tweet aimed at damaging Mbuitu’s reputation.
The alleged offenses occurred on August 3, 2024, according to court documents. Aoko’s actions were said to have violated Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act of 2018, which carries penalties of up to Sh 5 million in fines or a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
Aoko’s arrest and arraignment were precipitated by a search warrant issued on August 7, 2024, by the Milimani Chief Magistrate courts.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), represented by Chief Inspector Nickson Kinyua, had sought court orders to search Aoko’s residence and seize her electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, iPads, and desktops, for forensic analysis. The DCI also requested access to all related passwords and evidential materials.
In court, the DCI explained that Aoko was under investigation for several alleged violations of cybercrime laws, specifically the publication of false information.
Detective Kinyua pointed to a series of defamatory posts made by Aoko, indicating that she had committed various cyber offenses.
Further investigations revealed that Aoko operated multiple X accounts under different aliases, including Maverick Aoko (@AokoOtieno), Aoko (@MaverickAokoo), and Aoko Otieno (@MaverickOtieno). These accounts were allegedly used to perpetrate cybercrimes against different individuals between June 2024 and the present.
On August 16, 2024, following the search orders, DCI detectives arrested Aoko at her home.
The arrest prompted criticism from her supporters, who accused the DCI of using excessive force and unjustly seizing her electronic devices. Aoko’s aides shared their concerns on social media, labeling the actions as an abuse of power.
With MP Babu Owino stepping in to pay her bail, Aoko was freed from custody, awaiting the continuation of her case.
The support from the lawmaker highlighted the influence and connections Aoko has garnered through her outspoken and controversial presence on social media.
