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The arrest and prosecution of a Kenyan author who wrote an unauthorised biography of Charlene Ruto, President William Ruto’s daughter, has drawn sharp criticism from lawyers and free speech advocates.
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Charlene Ruto accused Webster Ochora Elijah of using her name without consent in his book Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising, prompting legal action. The 25-year-old author was arrested and charged with impersonation on Tuesday, but pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.
Charlene confirmed she had reported the matter to police and is listed as the complainant in the case. The charge alleges the book was published by the author and others yet to be charged with intent to defraud, although there have been no complaints about the book’s content—only that it was written without her approval.
Critics argue the arrest undermines freedom of expression. Lawyer and politician Willis Otieno called it a misuse of state power to shield public figures from scrutiny. Literary critic Mbugua Ngunjiri pointed out that writing biographies without approval is legal, citing a similar case involving former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“A million people can write about her, and that’s not a crime,” Ngunjiri wrote. “Only misrepresentation would warrant legal action.”
Charlene, however, insisted that even a “positive” portrayal does not justify using her name without permission, calling it a misuse of identity.
The book, which is self-published and not widely circulated, has not been made available online, and little is known about its contents.
The author’s legal team maintains he did nothing illegal. Lawyer Kennedy Mong’are said he had authored similar books on public figures, including Raila Odinga and Donald Trump. Lawyer Evan Ondieki added that public figures should be open to scrutiny, warning that this case threatens Kenya’s democratic principles.
“You can’t criminalise someone just for using your name,” he said.
This case follows a similar recent incident where a teacher was charged for impersonating another of President Ruto’s daughters, June Ruto, on Facebook.
Charlene Ruto, often compared to Ivanka Trump for her high-profile public appearances, has previously denied using public funds to support an unofficial “Office of the First Daughter.”
The prosecution of Webster Elijah has heightened concerns over restrictions on freedom of speech, particularly in light of another recent arrest.
Software developer Rose Njeri was detained after building a digital tool that allowed Kenyans to voice opposition to the government’s finance bill. She was later released on bail and described her arrest as “ludicrous,” thanking Kenyans for their support.
