In a case that raises serious questions about freedom of expression in Kenya, police have arrested a well-known author for writing a book about Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto.
The book, Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising, was allegedly published without Charlene’s consent. The author, Webster Ochora Elijah, was taken into custody on Monday, June 2, and charged with identity theft.
Critics say the arrest is politically driven and meant to silence voices that challenge or profile powerful public figures. The move is fueling fears of growing authoritarianism in Kenya.
Charlene Ruto Book Triggers Author’s Arrest and Legal Drama
Webster Ochora Elijah is no stranger to public discourse. A seasoned writer and publisher, he has authored books about global figures like Donald Trump and Raila Odinga. But his latest project — a biography exploring the public persona and youth-centered initiatives of Charlene Ruto — has landed him in hot water with state authorities.
Police say Ochora failed to obtain permission from Charlene Ruto before publishing the book. He was arrested by detectives on June 2 and remains held at Muthaiga Police Station. His laptop and materials were confiscated, and police confirmed that he would be arraigned on Tuesday, June 3.
Authorities charged him under Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, citing identity theft — a charge typically reserved for fraudsters who impersonate others to deceive or steal. Legal experts say using this law in a case about authorship is unprecedented and troubling.
Further investigations are now underway to identify individuals or groups that may have financed or supported the book’s publication. This expansion of the probe is raising more red flags among legal professionals and human rights advocates.
Lawyers Say Arrest Over Charlene Ruto Book Violates Free Speech
Ochora’s legal team has condemned the arrest, branding it unlawful and politically motivated. Senior advocate Evans Ondieki said the arrest is not just an attack on one man but a threat to Kenya’s democratic ideals.
“Freedom of expression includes the right to use public images for commentary,” Ondieki stated. “In a democracy like Kenya’s, young people must be allowed to express themselves creatively. Arresting them for that undermines our democratic values.”
Kennedy Mong’are, the family’s lawyer, echoed these sentiments. He defended the book’s intent, calling it a tribute to Charlene Ruto’s efforts to empower youth. He accused the authorities of overreacting and detaining a man whose work was far from defamatory.
“This young man has written about major figures across the world. He was working on a book that would shed light on the good Charlene Ruto has done. Instead of appreciation, he is behind bars,” Mong’are said outside the police station.
Observers have warned that such crackdowns stifle intellectual freedom and breed fear among journalists, authors, and artists. By arresting Ochora, the government may have crossed a line — using state power to muzzle legitimate expression under the guise of protecting reputation.
Arrest Over Charlene Ruto Biography Fuels Worry of Political Censorship
The arrest also exposes the thin line between public service and personal privacy for those connected to political power. Charlene Ruto, who has kept a visible public profile through various youth empowerment initiatives and official engagements, is not a private citizen in the traditional sense.
By actively engaging in public life and using her father’s presidential platform to advocate for youth issues, Charlene has positioned herself in the public domain. That status, legal experts argue, makes her subject to public commentary — including books.
Critics say if authors must seek permission before writing about public figures, then investigative journalism, biography, and even satire will become impossible in Kenya. That’s not just dangerous — it’s unconstitutional.
“Public figures must be open to scrutiny. That’s how democracy functions. Silencing authors sets a dangerous precedent,” said one Nairobi-based legal analyst who asked not to be named.
The court’s ruling on Ochora’s case will now set the tone for future interactions between writers and state power. Will the judiciary protect freedom of expression, or will it side with political influence?
Whatever the outcome, this case has become a symbol of the larger struggle over who controls Kenya’s narrative — the people or those in power.
