Controversial social media figure Maverick Aoko was arrested and detained on Friday over inflammatory posts she made on her online platforms, sparking widespread calls for her release under the hashtag #FreeAoko.
Police reportedly stormed her house, seized her phones and laptop, and later took her to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for questioning.
The arrest followed numerous complaints filed against her posts, although details regarding the nature of these complaints remain unclear.
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.
He did not specify the reasons for her arrest but indicated that the police had since allowed legal representation.
Some of Aoko’s posts on her X account were deleted, though it remains unclear who was responsible for their removal.
Aoko, known for her controversial posts targeting influential figures, had recently stirred significant attention with her social media activity.
Her aide said she was taken into custody and denied bail.
“This is Aoko’s Aide. She was arrested this morning and has been detained. They have also denied her legal counsel,” a post on her X account said.
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Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who visited Aoko at the Muthaiga police cells, termed the charges against her as “vexatious, frivolous, fickle and limping”.
He confirmed she was being held at Muthaiga Police Station and condemned the treatment she was receiving.
“I went to see Aoko Otieno today, Friday, at @DCI_Kenya headquarters. The charge on her is vexatious, frivolous, fickle, and limping,” Owino said in a post.
The arrest has galvanized an outpouring of support online as users mobilize with the hashtag #FreeAoko in calling for her release. Police said the authorities have a valid complaint against her and that she will be charged in court.
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