Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto, has taken legal action against a young author for publishing a biography about her without consent. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the boundaries of creative expression and the rights of public figures in Kenya
Highlights
- Author Webster Ochora Elijah arrested for publishing unauthorized book on Charlene Ruto.
- Charlene reported the matter to the DCI, citing identity misuse and rights infringement.
- Ochora charged with identity theft under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act.
- Charlene urges youth to seek consent before using public figures’ identities.
- The case has sparked national debate on creative freedom and legal boundaries.
Main Story:
Charlene Ruto has spoken out following the arrest of Webster Ochora Elijah, a Kisii University graduate who published a book about her without consent. The book, titled Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising, led to Ochora’s arrest and charges of identity theft under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act.
Speaking at Wareng High School in Eldoret, Charlene highlighted the misuse of her name and identity in the unauthorized publication. She stated, “We have a culture in this country where we misuse people’s names and get away with it. It’s not right, and that is not what I stand for.” Charlene clarified that her concern was not about the book’s content but the lack of consultation and respect for her personal identity
Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
Ochora pleaded not guilty and was released on a KSh 50,000 cash bail. His legal team argued that the arrest was unwarranted, noting his history of writing about public figures. The case has ignited discussions about the balance between protecting individual rights and upholding freedom of expression.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is examining Ochora’s digital devices for evidence and investigating others who may have been involved in the book’s publication. The case is scheduled for mention on June 17, as debates continue over the legal and ethical considerations surrounding unauthorized biographies
