A man accused of impersonating Charlene Ruto by publishing a book in her name without consent has requested a Nairobi court to compel the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to return his confiscated laptop.
Webster Ochora Elijah, who is facing impersonation charges under Section 382(1) of the Penal Code, told the court that the DCI seized his laptop from his office and had not returned it, despite the device being essential for his work.
“My laptop is my tool of trade. It contains other projects belonging to my clients and my personal work,” Ochora told the court, pleading for its release.
The prosecution responded by stating that the laptop is currently undergoing forensic examination. However, Magistrate Robinson Ondieki emphasized that tools of trade are typically not retained in civil cases and urged the investigators to expedite the process. An investigating officer assured the court that the forensic analysis would be completed within a week.
The court ruled that the device should be returned once the forensic review is finalized. The case will be mentioned on July 10, 2025, to confirm the return of the laptop, with the main hearing scheduled for July 22, 2025.
According to the charge sheet, between an unspecified date and May 22, 2025, Ochora is alleged to have impersonated Charlene Ruto and, under the guise of Zawadi Publishers, authored and circulated a book titled Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising without her permission.
Ochora’s lawyer informed the court that his client had fully cooperated with the investigation, surrendered a confidential manuscript, and signed an inventory before being held in custody for four days. The defence further requested that Ochora be released on a free bond, describing him as a student and creative professional.
While the prosecution did not oppose the bond application, they confirmed all evidentiary materials would be availed to the defence.
Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo granted Ochora a cash bail of Sh50,000 with two contact persons, paving the way for the case to proceed.
