Nairobi, Kenya – The hearing in the case against blogger Scophine Aoko Otieno, popularly known as Maverick Aoko, will proceed on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Aoko is facing charges of publishing false, defamatory, and threatening information about public figures Amber Ray and Jamal on August 3, 2024. She also faces two additional counts of cyber harassment and fraudulent use of electronic data.
The hearing had been scheduled for earlier this week but was adjourned after the prosecution failed to produce witnesses in court. It was also noted that the investigating officer in the matter was absent, raising concerns from the defense.
“The court shouldn’t work according to the witnesses’ convenience; rather, the witnesses should comply with the court’s schedule,” Aoko’s lawyer told the court.
The defense further accused the prosecution of lacking seriousness in pursuing the case, suggesting the matter should be dismissed if the prosecution was unwilling to proceed.
The prosecution denied the claims, insisting they were committed to prosecuting the case. They requested the matter to continue on June 25, 2025, the alternative hearing date earlier set by the court. However, with nationwide protests expected on that date, the court opted to push the hearing to the following day.
The court directed the prosecution to ensure witnesses are present for the hearing on Thursday, warning that administrative action could be taken if there is further non-compliance.
Aoko is currently out on a cash bail of KSh100,000 pending the outcome of the case.
By Were Kelly
