NAIROBI, Kenya – July 8, 2025
A man accused of impersonating Charlene Ruto to publish a book without her consent has asked a Nairobi court to compel the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to return his confiscated laptop.
Webster Ochora Elijah, who is facing charges of impersonation, told the court that the DCI seized the device from his office during investigations and has yet to return it.
“My laptop is my tool of trade,” Ochora told the court. “It contains other projects belonging to my clients and personal work. I respectfully urge the court to direct its release.”
However, the prosecution informed the court that the device was still undergoing forensic examination. Magistrate Robinson Ondieki acknowledged the concern, noting that tools of trade are typically not held in such matters and urged investigators to expedite the process.
An investigating officer confirmed that the analysis would be completed within a week. The magistrate directed that the laptop be returned to Ochora immediately after the forensic review concludes.
The court also heard that all witness statements had been received, according to the complainant’s representative.
The case will be mentioned on July 10, 2025, to confirm the return of the laptop, with the main hearing set to commence on July 22, 2025.
Ochora has been charged under Section 382(1) of the Penal Code, which deals with impersonation offences. According to the charge sheet, between an unknown date and May 22, 2025, Ochora allegedly impersonated Charlene Ruto and, through a company known as Zawadi Publishers, authored and circulated a book titled Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising.
Ochora’s lawyer told the court that his client had fully cooperated with investigators, surrendered a confidential manuscript, and signed an inventory before being held in custody for four days. The defence requested that he be released on a free bond, citing his status as a student and a creative professional.
The prosecution did not oppose the bond application and confirmed that all evidentiary materials would be availed to the defence.
Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo granted Ochora a cash bail of Sh50,000, with two contact persons required for his release.
By Were Kelly
