Charlene Ruto Drops Case Against Author Webster Ochora After Settlement Deal

Webster Elijah ochora before Milimani law courts on Monday, September 22/ PHOTO/ SARAR AWINJA

President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, has withdrawn the criminal case against Webster Ochora Elijah, who had been accused of impersonating her through the publication of a book.

Appearing before Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki on Monday morning, counsel for the accused informed the court of the withdrawal.

“The accused has offered an apology, which the complainant has accepted, leading to the resolution of the matter,” the counsel stated.

The prosecution, however, requested more time to consult and confirm the withdrawal before giving its position.

Magistrate Ondieki directed the matter to be mentioned again on October 6, 2025, when the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is expected to respond.

Ochora had been facing charges of impersonation contrary to Section 382(1) of the Penal Code.

According to the charge sheet, he allegedly operated under the name Zawadi Publishers between an unknown date and May 22, 2025 and authored and circulated a book titled “Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising”, which was falsely attributed to Charlene.

He was arrested without a warrant on May 30, 2025 and later arraigned.

The complainant, Charlene Ruto, is also listed as a key witness in the matter, alongside CPL A. Hussein, a police officer attached to the investigation.

The withdrawal represents a turning point in the high-profile case, which had drawn public interest over the alleged misuse of the first daughter’s identity.

If the ODPP endorses the reconciliation, Ochora will be cleared of charges that carry a sentence of up to three years in prison.