Kevin Kachapin, a Nairobi-based city lawyer and son of West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, appeared in court on Wednesday representing President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, in a high-profile impersonation case.
The case involves Webstar Ochora Elijah, who is accused of unlawfully impersonating Charlene. According to court documents, Webstar, alongside an unidentified accomplice linked to a company known as Zawadi Publishers, allegedly misrepresented himself as Charlene Ruto. The alleged offence occurred on May 22, 2025, at an undisclosed location within Kenya.
Investigations indicate that Webstar published a book titled Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising under the guise of being the President’s daughter. The publication and promotional activities surrounding it prompted an investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), leading to Webstar’s arrest and arraignment on charges of identity theft under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act.
Charlene, listed as the main complainant in the case, has yet to appear in court to testify a factor that led to a scheduled ruling on whether the case should be dismissed due to her absence. However, the court deferred its decision, setting the ruling for July 28, 2025.
Webstar was released on a bond of Sh100,000 or an alternative cash bail of Sh50,000. His legal team has argued that he poses no flight risk and claims the case is politically motivated, framing it as an attempt to suppress freedom of expression and dissent.
The defense has also questioned the use of identity theft laws in the context of publishing a politically-themed book, which they argue falls within the realm of free speech. Nonetheless, authorities maintain that the use of Charlene Ruto’s name and identity without her consent amounts to fraud.
As the case progresses, it continues to attract national attention, both for its legal implications and the prominent figures involved, with Charlene Ruto’s absence from court remaining a focal point in the unfolding legal drama.
