NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, has formally withdrawn a criminal case against author Webster Ochora Elijah, who had been accused of impersonating her by writing and publishing a book under her name.
The case was withdrawn on Monday before Milimani Magistrate Robinson Ondieki after the two parties reached a reconciliation agreement that imposes strict restrictions on Ochora’s future conduct.
The deal, filed under Section 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code and Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution, allows for alternative dispute resolution in criminal matters.
According to the terms presented in court, Ochora is permanently barred from publishing, distributing, or circulating the disputed book—or any other work—containing references to Charlene Ruto.
He is also prohibited from transferring rights to the material to third parties for purposes such as publication, production, or adaptation.
“The accused shall not publish, distribute, disseminate, or cause to be published in any form or medium the book or any material containing content referring to or purporting to narrate in the first person the events forming the subject matter of this case,” the agreement reads in part.
Ochora also issued a formal apology, which Charlene accepted, paving the way for the amicable settlement.
However, the agreement provides that any violation of the conditions will allow Charlene to pursue civil remedies, with the withdrawal of the case not serving as a defence.
The matter, registered as MCCR No. 314 of 2025, has now been marked as withdrawn. The court scheduled a mention for October 6, 2025, for further directions.
