Kenyan lawyers and free speech advocates have spoken out against the prosecution of Webster Ochora Elijah, the author of an unauthorized biography about Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto. The book, titled Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising, has sparked controversy—not for its content, but for allegedly using Charlene’s name without her consent.
Charlene Ruto reported the matter to the police, leading to the author’s arrest on Tuesday. He was charged with impersonation and accused of publishing the book with the intent to defraud. Although the exact contents of the book are not publicly available, Ms. Ruto is not contesting its accuracy—only the lack of prior permission.
The 25-year-old author pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. His legal team maintains that no crime was committed, noting his previous biographies on public figures like Raila Odinga and Donald Trump.
Critics argue that the prosecution sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression. Lawyer Willis Otieno described the case as a misuse of state resources to shield powerful individuals from scrutiny. Literary critic Mbugua Ngunjiri echoed this, stating that authors don’t need permission to write about public figures unless there is a misrepresentation.
Charlene Ruto, a well-known public figure often compared to Ivanka Trump, insists the issue is about the misuse of her name, regardless of whether the book portrays her positively or negatively. She stated, “The gentleman never came to me with a suggestion that he wants to write a book on my behalf, and for me that is a misappropriate use of my name.”
The case adds to a growing list of incidents raising alarms about civil liberties in Kenya. Just days earlier, Rose Njeri, a software developer, was arrested for creating a tool that allowed citizens to oppose a controversial government finance bill. She was later released on bail after being charged with cybercrime.
Observers say the ongoing legal actions against writers and activists could stifle democratic freedoms and the right to criticize public figures in Kenya.
