Journalist and social media personality Scophine Aoko, popularly known as Maverick Aoko, found herself in the spotlight today for reasons beyond her usual online presence.
Aoko appeared before a Milimani magistrate’s court in Nairobi to face three counts of charges related to her activities on social media.
The former Standard Media Group correspondent stood firm as she denied all allegations leveled against her. Ms Aoko was granted bail and released after posting a cash bond of Sh100,000.
The first charge against Aoko involved the publication of false information, a serious offense under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.
“On the 3rd Day of August 2023, knowingly and unlawfully published false defamatory and threatening information online while using the X-Corp account dubbed Maverick Aoko @AokoOtieno posted False information wit…Maze it disorients me to say this… ‘But Amber Ray is innocent. She did not ruin marriage ya Jamal na Amira…Beth did…She is the daughter of a powerful cop so if you find me thrown in Kware refer to this tweet…Ask how Jamal moved from Makanga wa South C to Matatu boss…Ndio naanza’ Knowing to be malicious, false and well calculated to cause fear, panic and destroy reputation and professional career income and livelihood of one Beth Wambui Mbuitu” read the charge on first count.
The case has drawn significant public interest, given Aoko’s influence and the growing concerns around the misuse of digital platforms.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Aoko’s case is expected to raise important questions about the boundaries of online expression and the responsibilities that come with being a prominent figure in the digital space.
