NAIROBI, Kenya — A 19-year-old man, identified as Nelson Ibrahim Kidero (also known as Nelson Murithi), has been released by a Nairobi court after being charged with unlawfully entering the parliamentary precincts in August, with the defendant having asserted he is the son of President William Ruto.
The incident dates back to the night of 7 August 2025, around 9:30 pm, when Kidero was found in the Bunge Towers parking area without lawful authority, according to the charge sheet under the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act.
At his Milimani court appearance on 9 October, Kidero pleaded not guilty. Senior Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi ordered his release under conditions: he must not repeat the offence within one year, and he was placed under the custody of his uncle.
“Do not repeat the same offence of going back to Parliament; I do not want to regret freeing you,” the magistrate admonished.
Kidero also told the court that his mother is Angeline Muriithi, and claimed that President Ruto is his biological father, saying he had “helped him become president.”
The magistrate recommended that Kidero be taken for medical care and urged his family to give him greater oversight.
During earlier proceedings, Kidero’s legal team had requested a mental assessment, stating that his conduct and claims warranted evaluation.
Legal experts note the case touches on complex issues: unlawful entry into protected premises, self-identity claims potentially impacting personal rights, and the boundaries of court discretion in granting conditional release.
The magistrate’s decision balances public order interests with the possibility of rehabilitative oversight.
Key questions that remain unanswered include whether further investigations will be launched into Kidero’s identity and motivations, and whether Parliament or the presidency will comment on the paternity claims.
For now, the court’s message is clear: a young man has been freed—but under watchful conditions and with sharp warnings.
