Nairobi — Social media firebrand Scophine Aoko Otieno also known as Maverick Aoko has announced her bid to unseat incumbent Esther Passaris in the 2027 Nairobi Woman Representative race, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most controversial and closely watched political contests in the capital.
Aoko, whose name has become synonymous with unapologetically abrasive and often vulgar political commentary, made the declaration on Monday, telling her followers that she is ready to take her activism from the timelines to Parliament.
While political analysts caution that translating social media notoriety into electoral success is often a tall order, Aoko’s die-hard online base believes she can easily dethrone Passaris. Her backers point to her cult-like following on X (formerly Twitter), her knack for rallying Nairobi’s politically restless youth, and her alliance with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino Ongili, a popular and deep-pocketed figure in city politics.
From Social Media Provocateur to Political Aspirant
Aoko has built her brand on blistering take-downs of politicians, frequently peppered with vulgar expletives, and the release of “tea” — salacious and sometimes highly confidential exposés on political figures. She claims to source much of her information from a WhatsApp group of bloggers, though the nature and accuracy of her leaks have long stirred speculation.
Some of her past disclosures have raised eyebrows for their apparent access to sensitive or even classified information. She has alleged details of disputes between President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto — claims that could only have come from inside State House — and shared intelligence-level scoops during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. Such revelations fueled speculation that she was, at least at one point, knowingly or unknowingly, operating as a mouthpiece for the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
High-Risk, High-Reward Bid
Her unfiltered style has earned her legions of fans but also powerful enemies. Critics argue she thrives on personal vendettas and scandal-mongering, with little focus on policy or governance. Supporters counter that her bluntness cuts through political hypocrisy and resonates with Nairobians frustrated by the status quo.
Strategically, Aoko’s association with Babu Owino could prove pivotal. Owino commands a significant youth following across the capital, especially in populous constituencies such as Embakasi East, and his financial muscle could turbocharge her campaign.
Her challenge will be to pivot from online activism — where controversy is currency — to electoral politics, where sustained grassroots mobilization, coalition building, and issue-based campaigning often determine the winner.
Passaris, a seasoned politician and two-term MP, remains a formidable incumbent with a citywide network, strong brand recognition, and a record of high-profile constituency projects. The clash between Passaris’ polished political machinery and Aoko’s raw, crowd-pulling populism is likely to be a defining subplot of Nairobi’s 2027 electoral season.
Whoever emerges unscathed in this gruelling battle between Aoko and Passaris would then have to take on Nominated Senator Crystal Asige whose perch at the top in the race for Nairobi Woman Rep has already been confirmed.
The youthful Asige is the more impactful contender, her popularity transcending local boundaries to make it to the Time magazine Next 100 in 2024.
As the campaign takes shape, one thing is certain: Maverick Aoko’s entry has transformed the Nairobi Woman Rep race from routine to explosive — much like her social media persona.
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