For the longest time, a section of the political commentariat has insisted that outspoken social media commentator Scophine Otieno, popularly known as Maverick Aoko, speaks at the bidding of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino — particularly when her sharp commentary touches the Odinga family. That narrative, however, is now rapidly unravelling.
In a firm and unusually personal clarification issued on Monday, December 15, Babu Owino categorically dismissed claims that he directs Aoko’s online attacks or controls her messaging in any way. Instead, he described her as an independent-minded individual whose views are entirely her own.
“Maverick Aoko is my friend and my fierce supporter, for which I’m truly grateful and appreciative,” Babu said. “Oftentimes, when she posts on X, people are under the impression that I am the one who tells her what to post. Maverick is an independent-minded person. I do not know her sources and have never told her to attack the Odinga Family.”
The MP went further to dismantle the logic behind the accusation by pointing to his close personal relationship with members of the Odinga family — including Raila Odinga Junior, Winnie Odinga and Rosemary Odinga — saying it would be unthinkable for him to sanction insults directed at their mother.
“How can I insult their only mother?” he posed. “Winnie Odinga is my friend, Junior is my friend, and Rosemary is my friend too.”
In an emotional tone, Babu spoke warmly of Mama Ida Odinga, stressing the respect and affection he holds for her.
“Mama Ida loves me like her own son, welcomes me home and gives me food whenever I visit her. I can never insult such a mum. She’s been good to me, and I love her,” he added.
His clarification comes just days after Maverick Aoko launched blistering attacks on Mama Ida via her X account — posts that reignited claims she was acting as Babu Owino’s proxy. Yet, paradoxically, Babu’s own response now stands as the strongest public evidence contradicting that long-held belief.
Political observers note that this episode exposes the weakness of the argument that Aoko operates under instruction. If anything, it reinforces the growing view that she is a fiercely independent actor whose activism often creates discomfort even among those she politically supports.
While Aoko is an ardent supporter of the ODM MP and has actively campaigned for him online as he positions himself for the Nairobi gubernatorial race in the 2027 general election, her recent remarks have demonstrated that loyalty does not necessarily translate into control.
The timing is also significant. The controversy follows closely on the heels of Babu’s own public grievance after being denied a chance to speak at the burial of Beryl Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County. In a statement on December 6, the MP claimed organisers did not want him to address mourners, though he said the crowd “spoke on his behalf” after cheering when his name was mentioned. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo later acknowledged his presence while reading out the list of attending lawmakers.
Together, these developments paint a picture of a politician navigating delicate internal party dynamics — and a supporter whose voice cannot be neatly boxed or remotely controlled.
As Kenya’s political discourse grows increasingly toxic, labelling outspoken women as political proxies remains a convenient but lazy tactic. Babu Owino’s own words now lend weight to what Aoko’s critics have long resisted acknowledging: she speaks for herself.
In the end, the evidence no longer supports the claim that Maverick Aoko is anyone’s megaphone. Love her or loathe her, she remains a maverick in the truest sense of the word.
Read More: https://siayatoday.com
Leave a Reply