- Prolific tweep Maverick Aoko Otieno was arrested Friday morning by a contingent of officers drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
- One of her aides who took control of her X account broke news of her arrest.
- The outspoken Twitter user is known for her occasional rants on X, fiercely criticizing politicians and public figures.
- In a recent tweet, Aoko criticized prominent activist Hanifa Adan, accusing her of embezzling funds raised for victims of police brutality.
Aoko’s nasty duel with Hanifa on X
The two famous ladies on Twitter recently had a bitter exchange of words on Twitter before surprisingly linking up at Muthaiga Police Station.
Ms. Aoko was first on the offensive rubbishing a proposal by Hanifa to honor victims of police brutality through billboards.
“This is a question and something I’m getting a lot and would ask you guys. Should we facilitate a billboard with the names and faces of our fallen comrades? If the majority agrees I do it,” posed Hanifa.
Aoko reacted with a tragic picture of one protestor who was shot dead by a sniper during the #OccupyParliament protest on June 25th.
“You want a billboard to mock his family? You think you can honor him with a billboard!” Aoko then tweeted a follow-up accusing Hanifa of funneling money meant for victims of police brutality during a recent protest.
Another activist Boniface Mwangi was also roped in, with Aoko accusing them of jointly carting away millions of shillings meant to support wounded protestors.
“Uzuri I’m always ahead of you. Wamekula (Boniface and Hanifa) Millions ya victims One is now threatening us with suicide The other wants a break
Hanifa, who is the face of the successful M-Changa drive for protest victims came out firing back at Aoko.
Expressing profound disappointment and anger, Hanifa wrote, “I’m genuinely sorry, but Aoko can go to the deepest pits of hell,” in response to Aoko’s arrest.
Hanifa strikes a surprise truce with Aoko, visits her in custody
The bitter feud between the two X heavyweights miraculously whizzled out within hours. This time it was Hanifa extending an olive branch.
In a move that seems to stem from principle, Hanifa wrote:
“Alright. I retract my previous aggression and vulgarity towards Aoko. Despite my hurt and sense of injustice, I cannot condone state oppression and abductions. #FreeAoko”
The print journalist and Eastleigh Voice columnist followed up her Saturday morning tweet with a visit to the detained Maverick Aoko on Saturday afternoon.
She posted a picture of her and Aoko saying: “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’ll be there too.”
Hanifa joins a string of other influential figures who have visited Ms. Aoko in police custody while others rally for her release under the #FreeAoko hashtag.
The state goes after prominent blogger Maverick Aoko Otieno
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also made a brief visit to the DCI headquarters, where Ms. Aoko was being questioned by detectives.
The outspoken MP reported that the authorities denied Aoko several rights including refusing to admit her on bail.
Hon. Babu termed the charge on her as vexatious, frivolous, fickle, and limping.
While the reason why the known Babu Owino ally was arrested remains unclear, her arrest has been attributed to her scathing attack on top government officials.
Aoko’s aide gave more details on what happened during her arrest. In a tweet, the aide reported:
“Yesterday, the DCI stormed Aoko’s home with more than three Subaru vehicles in a blatant show of force. They ransacked her house and seized her electronics(phones, laptop) without justification. She is still DETAINED without a valid reason. Absolute abuse of power.”
Recently, Aoko has made several allegations, including claims of infidelity within the first family and serious criminal accusations against cabinet secretaries.
Ms Aoko, however, has not provided any evidence to support her claims. The fiery female tweep with seemingly extensive political connections will be arraigned on Monday.
As Aoko fights off possible defamation charges against members of the first family, her aide reports that she is in a lot of pain as she was prevented from carrying her medication during her arrest.
