The Law Society of Kenya has called for the immediate release of
vocal activist Maverick Aoko.
Aoko has been missing for five days from her online
presence.
Speaking during the tracing of arrested activist Boniface
Mwangi at the Kamukunji Police Station, LSK President Faith Odhiambo urged
Kenyans to use the society’s hotline to provide any information regarding
Aoko's disappearance.
“We have heard that
she is missing and we are asking for any information. Our hotline is still
working. Please reach out to the LSK. Every life counts,” she said.
“We ask that whoever is holding her that she should be
released immediately. Let’s not be a country that we live in intimidation or
fear”.
She further urged Kenyans to rally up and upload the rule of
law, so every single person feels like they have a right to enjoy their rights
fully.
"People might say things that are not pleasant for you,
however, there are rules to govern the same. Let us deal with people within the
confines of the law," she said.
For five days, Aoko has been missing, with attempts to get
in touch with her offline bearing no fruit.
This led most Kenyans to believe that she is the latest
victim of abductions subjected to vocal activists and social media
commentators.
"Where is Aoko?" has become the rallying cry on Twitter, with countless users expressing their concern and demanding answers.
Odhiambo also addressed the importance of following legal protocols.
On August 19, 2024, Aoko was subsequently charged in court on August 19, 2024.
The charges included publishing false information under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018, cyber harassment under Section 27, and fraudulent use of electronic data under Section 38 of the same act.
So far, several Kenyans have reacted on social media, with some calling for optimism that she will be found well.
"Maverick Aoko is missing, and this is serious. Let’s pray that she is okay. We are living in a country where the regime is heartless." Cornelis Ronoh said.
On his part, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino stated that "Aoko has been missing for days and her whereabouts are not known. I’ve reached out to her family members and close friends".