Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenya’s President William Ruto, has spoken out in support of the police action taken against author Webster Ochora Elijah, who was arrested on June 2, 2025, for publishing an unauthorized biography about her. The book, titled Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising, was released without her knowledge or consent.
Speaking during a youth event in Eldoret, Charlene explained that Ochora never sought her permission before embarking on the project or releasing the book. She expressed disappointment over the use of her name and image without authorization, labeling it a clear misuse of her identity and a violation of her personal rights.
“The gentleman never came to me with a suggestion that he wanted to write a book on my behalf,” she stated. “To me, that was a misuse of my name, and I had no choice but to report the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).”
Charlene emphasized that she had followed all the appropriate legal channels in reporting the incident. She had recorded a formal statement and supported the ongoing investigation, which is being conducted under the provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act. Authorities indicated that the author is being held at Muthaiga Police Station pending possible charges of identity theft. Investigations are also underway to determine if other individuals were involved in financing or facilitating the publication.
While defending her position, Charlene maintained that the issue was not about the book’s tone or content whether it was complimentary or not but about a matter of principle. According to her, the unauthorized use of another person’s identity for any form of gain or publicity is unacceptable and must be addressed firmly.
“We have a culture in this country where we misuse people’s names and get away with it. That’s not right, and that’s not what I stand for,” she asserted. “It’s not about what the book says. It’s about respecting each other in society.”
Charlene made it clear that public figures still have the right to control how their image and name are used. She stressed the importance of obtaining consent and following ethical procedures, especially when dealing with personal narratives. “No one should write your story for you. When I’m ready to write my book, I will,” she added.
Addressing the youth, she encouraged them to pursue their ambitions with integrity and to remain mindful of other people’s rights in the process. She highlighted that professionalism and respect for others are crucial in building a just and ethical society.
On the other side, Ochora’s legal team argued that the arrest was unnecessary and unwarranted. His lawyer defended the book’s content, stating it aimed to celebrate Charlene’s work with the youth and her positive impact on society. He also pointed out that the author had previously written about other well-known figures without incident.
Despite the defense, Charlene remained resolute. She insisted that no one, regardless of their intentions, should use another person’s name or likeness without permission. Her firm stance has sparked a broader national conversation about the boundaries between public life and personal rights, especially in the context of creative work involving prominent individuals.
