Aoko Reveals Authoring MP Jicho Pevu’s Unpublished Memoir Attacking Raila and Joho

Maverick Aoko, a well-known political commentator and blogger, has revealed that she once authored a memoir for Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, widely known as “Jicho Pevu,” but the book was never published.

According to Aoko, the manuscript contained scathing attacks on opposition leaders Raila Odinga and Hassan Joho, which may have influenced Ali’s decision to shelve it.

In a candid post on X (formerly Twitter), Aoko recalled her initial excitement when Ali approached her in 2021, months before the 2022 general elections, requesting her to write his life story.

She described how she “penfully assassinated” Joho and Raila in the book, portraying Ali as an agent of the Fourth Estate who had exposed corruption and political misdeeds through his investigative journalism.

However, Ali later refused to publish the memoir, a move Aoko suggests was due to shifting political dynamics.

“Now they’re your bosses—Ruto’s lifeline in AUC and Cabinet,” she wrote, implying that Ali, once a fierce critic of Raila and Joho, has had to realign politically in President William Ruto’s government, where Odinga now plays a key role in the broad-based government and is a hopeful candidate for the chairmanship of African Union Commission (AUC) and Joho maintains influence in Ruto’s government as the Mining Cabinet Secretary (CS).

From Investigative Journalist to Politician

Mohamed Ali rose to prominence through his investigative TV series Jicho Pevu, which exposed corruption and political scandals. His transition into politics saw him align with Ruto’s UDA party, winning the Nyali parliamentary seat in 2017 and again in 2022. Despite his reputation for exposing wrongdoing, critics argue that Ali’s political stance has evolved to accommodate shifting allegiances.

Jicho Pevu and President Ruto.

Aoko’s revelation raises questions about how political pragmatism influences former critics of the establishment once they secure positions of power. The unpublished memoir—if it indeed contained the explosive content Aoko claims—could have strained Ali’s relationships within the ruling coalition and jeopardized his political future.

Aoko’s Discontent and Political Fallout

Aoko’s post also hints at personal disappointment, alleging that Ali abandoned her during her own political struggles. She credits controversial Embakasi East MP Babu Owino for supporting her when others, including Ali, distanced themselves.

She further pleads with Ali to intervene in the alleged arrests of Isiolo youth by government forces, pointing out his roots in the region. “You are young, Moha. Ruto hata akipata 2nd term, it’ll be 5 more years aende. You still have a future,” she warned, urging him not to betray his past convictions.

Unanswered Questions and Political Calculations

While Ali has not publicly responded to Aoko’s claims, the revelation reignites debates on political realignments and whether those who built their careers on exposing corruption and impunity can maintain their integrity in government. The unpublished memoir remains a mystery, but its existence—if true—suggests that Ali may have once been willing to take on figures he now coexists with in the political arena.

For now, Aoko’s statement adds another layer to the evolving story of former investigative journalist Mohamed Ali—once a fearless critic, now a political insider navigating the realities of power.