‘You’re More Than Mugabe’ – Herman Manyora Hits Out At Ruto’s Approach To Dissent
Political analyst Herman Manyora has criticized the government for arresting and detaining social media commentator Scorphine Aoko Otieno, alias Maverick.
Manyora stated on Sunday, August 18, 2024, via his official X account that Aoko’s arrest reflects poorly on Kenya as a country.
The University of Nairobi lecturer has called for Aoko’s immediate release, regardless of the reason for her arrest.
Manyora contends that if Aoko is not released, Kenya risks becoming known as an extremely intolerant and insensitive country.
The arrest of @AokoOtieno_ maverick doesn’t speak well of us as country. For whatever it is, RELEASE her immediately. Otherwise we risk coming out as a an extremely intolerant and insensitive country. Government should know that this approach has NEVER worked anywhere. Even…
— Herman Manyora (@HManyora) August 18, 2024
“The arrest of Aoko Otieno maverick doesn’t speak well of us as country. For whatever it is, RELEASE her immediately. Otherwise we risk coming out as a an extremely intolerant and insensitive country,” he said.
Manyora went on to claim that the government’s strategy of targeting anyone who speaks out against it has never worked in any country.
He used the late Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, as an example, claiming that he attempted to crack down on anti-government activists but ultimately failed.
“Government should know that this approach has NEVER worked anywhere. Even Mugabe gave up on the crackdown,” Manyora stated.
Aoko is scheduled to be arraigned at Milimani Law Court on Monday, August 19, 2024, after being arrested at her home on Friday, August 16, 2024.
#FreeAoko https://t.co/6zgNZuOSin
— Maverick Aoko (@AokoOtieno_) August 18, 2024
She was taken to Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters for questioning before being detained at Muthaiga Police Station pending her arraignment.
Her arrest came after the police received complaints about several social media posts she had made on her X platform.
On Friday evening, Aoko’s official X account posted that she had been arrested and detained earlier that day.
This is Aoko's Aide. She was arrested this morning & has been detained. They have also DENIED her legal counsel.
— Maverick Aoko (@AokoOtieno_) August 16, 2024
“This is Aoko’s Aide. She was arrested this morning & has been detained. They have also denied her legal counsel,” said a post from her X account.
On Friday evening, news of Aoko’s arrest spread online, prompting some users to use the hashtag #FreeAoko to call for her release.
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, Raila Odinga Junior, the son of ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga, joined Kenyans in calling for her release.
‘You’re More Than Mugabe’ – Herman Manyora Hits Out At Ruto’s Approach To Dissent
