NAIROBI, Kenya- The High Court has temporarily restrained the Standard Group from publishing or republishing allegations linking President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, to the procurement of uniforms for the Kenya Police Service.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued the interim order following an application filed by Charlene challenging reports that associated her, directly or indirectly, with an alleged Sh2.8 billion uniform contract.
The order bars the media company from repeating, reposting, distributing or otherwise disseminating the disputed allegations pending further directions from the court.
The case arises from an August 30, 2026, edition of The Standard that carried a front-page feature headlined “The Trail…” and an inside story titled “Police uniform tender trail links Alusala teacher and First Family.”
Charlene, through Kitinya and Company Advocates, argued that the reports created the impression that she had participated in, supplied uniforms under or benefited from the procurement.
She told the court that the allegations were damaging and remained available online despite a written demand seeking a correction, retraction and apology.
Charlene asked the court to direct the Standard Group to remove or disable the digital versions of the disputed stories. Alternatively, she sought a clear corrective notice on the publications where they continued to associate her with the contract.
The court granted the interim request stopping further publication of the contested allegations.
The Standard Group has seven days to file its response, allowing the media house to present its position before the substantive application is heard. The case is scheduled for mention on October 19, 2026.
The temporary orders do not constitute a final determination on the accuracy of the publications or the merits of Charlene’s case.
Police identify Bedi Investments as contractor
The National Police Service previously denied reports linking Nalitex Limited to the development, procurement or manufacture of the new General Duty uniforms.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said Bedi Investments Limited was the company awarded the contract following a procurement process conducted under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
“The NPS is particularly concerned that media reports have introduced an entity referred to as Nalitex Limited into the procurement and manufacture of the new police uniform, yet the said entity does not feature anywhere in the NPS process relating to its development, selection, procurement or manufacture,” the service said.
According to the NPS, Nalitex did not participate in the procurement, was not engaged as a subcontractor and did not receive a purchase order or payment.
Police said the decision to change the uniform arose from recommendations made by the task force on police reforms chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
Officers consulted by the task force reportedly raised concerns about the existing uniform and supported a return to the earlier colours.
The Kenya Police Service Uniform Committee subsequently worked with the Kenya Bureau of Standards to develop specifications for the new attire.
Under the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative, four local manufacturers were invited to provide samples: Bedi Investments, Rivatex East Africa, Thika Textile Mills and Sunflag Textiles and Knitwear Mills.
Police said only Bedi Investments and Rivatex submitted samples within the required period.
Bedi’s sample was selected following evaluation and public participation before approval by the relevant security structures.
Bedi Investments has also disputed the Sh2.8 billion figure associated with its contract and maintained that it secured the work competitively and on merit.
The new General Duty uniform was unveiled by President Ruto during a passing-out parade at the National Police Service College’s Kiganjo campus in Nyeri on August 27.
