Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has publicly distanced himself from online attacks targeting Mama Ida Odinga, amid speculation linking him to posts by blogger Maverick Aoko.
Taking to social media, Babu clarified that he has no role in Aoko’s commentary, emphasising that she operates independently.
“Maverick Aoko is my friend and my fierce supporter, for which I’m truly grateful and appreciative. Oftentimes, when she posts on X, people are under the impression that I am the one who tells her what to post,” he began.
“Maverick is an independent-minded person. I do not know her sources and have never told her to attack the Odinga family,” he stated.
Highlighting his close personal relationship with the Odinga family, Babu said his bond with Raila Odinga’s children—Winnie, Junior, and Rosemary— was strong, insisting it would be unthinkable for him to insult Mama Ida.
“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.
To reinforce his message, Owino shared a selfie previously taken with Mama Ida during a flight, a gesture aimed at quelling speculation and reaffirming mutual respect.
Online, reactions were mixed.
While some supported him, others strongly disagreed, like one Okoth Calvin.
“Ndugu, one unwritten rule among Raila diehards is: Raila must be respected whether alive or dead. This respect extends to his close family. Anybody who went against this rule became the enemy of Raila’s support base,” he wrote.
“Here is Aoko, who disrespected Raila in life and in death. Goes ahead to disrespect his widow. And you still defend her as a friend and fierce supporter? Does it prick you that your close friend is insulting your mentor and close family? Then you expect us to treat you as an ally? It doesn’t happen that way,” he concluded.
Who is Aoko?
Maverick Aoko, whose real name is Scophine Aoko Otieno, is a Kenyan social media personality, blogger, political activist, and journalist known for her outspoken and often controversial views on politics and social issues.
A major source of controversy is her frequent arrests and legal battles, particularly over alleged cyber harassment and publishing false information on her social media handles, leading to her being charged in court and released on bail.
Additionally, she has garnered attention for her strong political opinions, including sharp criticism of the current government, and for her outspoken stance on social issues like advocating for men’s rights and castigating feminism.
In October 2024, she was allegedly arrested and went missing for two weeks before being found at the Kenya-Tanzania border, an incident that sparked concern.