Charlene Ruto has publicly defended the police’s decision to arrest and prosecute author Webster Ochora Elijah over a book he allegedly published about her without seeking her permission first.
Charlene revealed that Ochora never reached out to get her consent before writing the book, which led her to file a formal complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“He didn’t get my permission before writing that book. We have a culture in this country where we misuse people’s names and get away with it, it’s not right and that’s not what I stand for,” Charlene said.
She confirmed that she fully cooperated with the DCI, submitting her statement and adhering to the legal process. Charlene also took the opportunity to advise young people on the importance of pursuing opportunities the right way.
“The gentleman never came to me with a suggestion and said I want to write a book on your behalf, and to me that was misuse of my name,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Charlene said she plans to write her own book when the timing feels right. “No one should write your book for you, so write it yourself when you are ready,” she advised.
She stressed that her objection was not about the content or tone of the book, even if it were positive, but about respect and consultation in society.
“I just didn’t like that someone misused my name. It’s about respecting each other and consulting,” Charlene said.
She made these remarks during a tree planting and youth employment event at Wareng High School, where Environment CS Deborah Mulongo officiated. Wareng High School holds special significance as it’s the alma mater of President William Ruto.
Webster Ochora Denies Charges
Meanwhile, the State charged Webster Ochora on Tuesday for publishing the book titled Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising without the First daughter’s consent.
Ochora appeared before the Milimani Law Courts, where the prosecution charged him under Section 382(1) of the Penal Code for impersonation.
Prosecutors claimed that on or before May 22, 2025, Ochora, acting alongside others not present in court, used the trade name Zawadi Publishers to falsely represent himself as Charlene Ruto.
Ochora denied all charges and was subsequently released on a Ksh100,000 bond, with an alternative cash bail set at Ksh50,000.
The case is scheduled for mention on June 17, 2025.
Lawyers Defend Webster Ochora
At Muthaiga Police Station, Advocate Evans Ondeki came to Ochora’s defense, arguing that public figures should expect a degree of public scrutiny.
“When you’re elected or associated with public office, you surrender about 50 percent of your right to privacy. You cannot be so thick-skinned that the use of your name or image becomes an offense” Ondeki said.
The legal team insists that Ochora’s work is neither malicious nor criminal, and falls under protected creative expression.
Kennedy Mung’are, another lawyer representing the family, argued that Ochora is an established author with a serious reputation.
“The young man detained here is a publisher, an author,” Mung’are said.
“He’s written books on Donald Trump and Raila Odinga. He was working on a positive piece about Charlene Ruto. It’s unfortunate that, without due process, he’s being held like this,” he added.
Ondeki urged the police to release Ochora, stressing that no offense has been committed. He also called on Charlene Ruto to be more open to criticism.
“As a public figure, she must learn to accommodate different views, that’s the essence of democracy,” Ondeki concluded.
