Blogger Maverick Aoko Otieno has been released from police custody on a KES.100,000 cash bail after pleading not guilty to three counts of publishing false information. The blogger, who was arrested at her home on August 16, is accused of posting a tweet that allegedly defamed a public figure and violated Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act.
The charges stem from a tweet Aoko posted on August 3, 2024, in which she claimed, “Maze it disorients me to say this… But Amber Ray is innocent. She did not ruin marriage ya Jamal 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 naanza.”
The prosecution argues that the tweet was “malicious, false, and well-planned” to harm the complainant’s reputation. Under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act of 2018, Aoko faces a potential penalty of up to KES.5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both, if convicted.
During the court session, it was disclosed that Aoko’s laptop and phone, which were confiscated during her arrest, will remain in police custody as detectives continue their investigation. The devices are expected to undergo a forensic examination to retrieve any additional evidence related to the case.
Three key witnesses have been lined up to testify against Aoko, including Sergeant Norah Shigi, a Digital Forensics expert at Kenya’s Communications Authority, and Chief Inspector Nickson Kinyua.
Aoko is scheduled to return to court on September 2 for a pre-trial hearing, where further details of the case will be discussed.
