Charlene Ruto has officially withdrawn a criminal case against author Webster Ochora Elijah, who had been accused of impersonating her by publishing a book under her name. The case came to an end on Monday after both parties reached a settlement agreement that placed strict conditions on the writer.
The agreement was presented before Milimani Magistrate Robinson Ondieki and filed under Section 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code and Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution, both of which promote alternative dispute resolution. According to a letter presented in court, “That the accused offered an apology, which the complainant has accepted, leading to the resolution of the matter.”
What conditions were imposed on the author?
As part of the deal, Ochora is barred from publishing, distributing, or disseminating the disputed book or any material that refers to Charlene Ruto either directly or indirectly. The terms also prohibit him from transferring publishing or adaptation rights to third parties.
The agreement clearly states: “The accused shall not publish, distribute, disseminate, or cause to be published in any form or medium the book or any material containing content referring to or purporting to narrate in the first person the events forming the subject matter of this case.”
If Ochora breaches these conditions, Ruto reserves the right to pursue civil remedies. The withdrawal of the criminal case will not shield him from future legal action.
Ochora issued an official apology, which Charlene accepted, allowing the matter to be concluded amicably. The case, registered as MCCR No. 314 of 2025, has now been marked as withdrawn.
The court has scheduled a mention of the matter for October 6, 2025, to give further directions.
By Risper Akinyi