The hearing of a criminal case against Webster Ochora Elijah, accused of impersonating Charlene Ruto and publishing an unauthorised book about her, was delayed yet again on Tuesday after the complainant failed to appear in court.
The prosecution told the court that Charlene, President William Ruto’s daughter, was unavailable to testify and requested an adjournment, including the issuance of a summons to compel her attendance.
However, defence lawyer Evans Ondieki strongly opposed the request, telling the court that Charlene was reportedly out of the country and unlikely to appear any time soon. He urged the court to consider withdrawing the case altogether.
“It is not fair for people to complain and then fail to show up in court to honour their own complaint,” Ondieki argued. “Webster is a young man full of life who travels long distances to attend this hearing. He deserves his freedom.”
Citing Article 129(1) of the Constitution, which provides that executive authority is derived from the people and exercised in accordance with the law, Ondieki pushed for the dismissal of the matter, noting that no one—regardless of status—is above the law.
In response, Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki underscored that “everyone is subject to the law” and ruled that the decision on whether to withdraw the case was not ready. The matter was adjourned to July 28, 2025, for a ruling.
During the session, Charlene’s lawyer, Kevin Kachapin—son of West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin—sought to attend the proceedings virtually due to a scheduling conflict in Kitale. The defence objected to the request, insisting on full physical attendance.
Ochora is charged under Section 382(1) of the Penal Code with impersonation. The charge sheet alleges that he posed as Charlene Ruto and authored a book titled “Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising” using the alias Zawadi Publishers between an unknown date and May 22, 2025.
The case has stirred public debate on creative expression, identity rights, and the responsibilities of public figures. The court had previously released Ochora on a Sh50,000 cash bail, noting his cooperation with investigators and his status as a student and a writer.
Written by Were Kelly
