CYBERCRIME AGAINST MAVERICK AOKO HANGS IN THE BALANCE

The cybercrime case against political blogger Maverick Aoko resumed Thursday at the Milimani Law Courts, with the defense calling for the case to be closed due to repeated delays by the prosecution.

Aoko, who was first charged in 2024, is facing multiple counts under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, including cyber harassment, publication of false information, and misuse of electronic data. She was released on a cash bail of KSh 100,000 following her arrest.

The case has suffered numerous adjournments in recent months, largely due to the absence of prosecution witnesses, a pattern that the defense now argues is a deliberate tactic to frustrate the accused.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Aoko’s lawyer formally applied for the matter to be closed, accusing the prosecution of lacking seriousness and violating the accused’s right to a fair and timely trial.

In response, prosecutors maintained that their witnesses were still available and requested more time to produce them, citing logistical challenges.

The court adjourned the case to July 17, 2025, warning that it would issue directions on the way forward if the prosecution fails to proceed substantively.

The case continues to attract public attention due to Aoko’s controversial online commentary and the broader implications it raises on the boundaries between free speech and cyber regulation in Kenya.