An author has been detained in Nairobi in connection with a book about Charlene Ruto, the daughter of President William Ruto, in a case that has stirred debate over freedom of expression and creative liberties in Kenya. The author, Webster Ochora Elijah, is being held at Muthaiga Police Station under investigation for alleged identity theft, with the authorities citing potential violations under the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crime Act.
The book in question, titled “Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising,” is reportedly an unsolicited biography that was neither commissioned nor authorised by Charlene Ruto. Investigators contend that the use of Charlene’s identity and image in the publication could constitute a criminal offence.
Ochora’s legal team, however, has strongly criticised the arrest, arguing that it amounts to suppression of constitutional freedoms. Speaking outside the police station, his lawyers denounced the detention as an affront to democratic values and the creative rights of Kenyan citizens.
According to his legal representatives, Ochora’s arrest is part of a worrying trend in which young and creative individuals are being punished for engaging in public discourse through literature and art. They contend that the use of public figures’ names and images in critical or positive portrayals is a well-established part of democratic expression.
“The arrest on suspicion of identity theft is an overreach,” one of the lawyers stated. “It is normal in a democratic society for authors and publishers to create works about public figures. This does not amount to theft or fraud. It is part of the broader freedom of speech and creativity protected under the Constitution.”
The legal team further stressed that public office bearers should be open to public scrutiny, including through creative and literary works. They pointed out that individuals who are elected or associated with leadership roles inevitably become subjects of public interest, and as such, their personal privacy is balanced against the public’s right to information and commentary.
They also noted that the book was intended to be a positive and constructive profile of Charlene Ruto, focusing on her influence among Kenyan youth. According to Ochora’s advocates, the publication was not malicious in nature, nor did it attempt to impersonate or defame its subject.
Another lawyer involved in the case described Ochora as an established author with a record of publishing books about prominent global and local figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and Kenyan political leader Raila Odinga. They argued that the biography of Charlene Ruto should be viewed in the same context as a public-interest publication aimed at capturing the spirit and contributions of a high-profile individual.
Despite these defenses, detectives proceeded to confiscate Ochora’s laptop and other digital materials, which they consider critical evidence in the ongoing probe. The author is expected to appear in court on June 3, where charges related to identity misuse may be formally presented.
The incident has sparked concern among freedom of expression advocates and writers, who see the case as a potential threat to creative freedoms in the country. Many are now closely monitoring the legal proceedings, which could set a precedent for how literary and journalistic works involving public figures are treated under Kenyan law.
