Charlene Ruto forgives impersonation suspect, set to drop case

President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, has announced that she has forgiven Webster Ochora Elijah — the man accused of impersonating her by authoring a book under her name — choosing instead to settle the matter out of court.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Charlene said she had been receiving persistent appeals through her lawyers, Kachapin & Company Advocates, from Ochora, who expressed remorse over his actions.

“Over the past few weeks, I have received persistent appeals through my legal counsel (Kachapin & Company Advocates) from Webster Ochora Elijah. His words and the sincerity behind them have touched me deeply,” Charlene said.

She emphasized that her decision to forgive was anchored not in weakness, but in strength and a belief in restorative justice, especially among young people.

“I believe that taking responsibility and being accountable for one's actions is not a sign of weakness. It is a profound demonstration of strength and character,” she said.

“As a youth champion and as someone deeply committed to positive dialogue and responsible leadership, I have chosen to extend forgiveness. I have also agreed to pursue alternative dispute resolution outside the courts.”

Charlene noted that her decision to pursue legal action was not personal but aimed at confronting a growing trend in society: the normalization of online abuse and the destruction of reputations through digital platforms.

“This case was never just about me. And it was never only about the young man involved. It was about something bigger, a growing issue in our society that we can no longer ignore: the normalization of online hostility, defamation, and the careless destruction of reputations, all amplified by the vast reach and anonymity of the internet,” she said.

She called for a broader societal reckoning with the dangers of unchecked digital conduct, particularly the toll it takes on mental health and human dignity.

“When I took legal action, it was not solely to protect my name. It was to stand up for the many people, especially young people, who suffer in silence from online abuse with no voice and no avenue for justice. People whose careers have been damaged, whose mental health has been compromised, and whose dignity has been stripped away by targeted digital attacks,” she noted.

Charlene was also firm on the rights of public figures to privacy and safety, stating that visibility does not negate humanity.

“Let me be clear. Being in the public eye does not make anyone fair game. Whether you are an artist, a politician, a faith leader, a CEO, or a content creator, public visibility should never cost you your right to safety, truth, privacy, or respect,” she said.
“Holding a public role does not make us less human. It does not take away our constitutional rights, nor should it diminish our expectation of dignity.”

In the spirit of closure and progress, she urged Kenyans to rethink the culture of online outrage and cancel tactics.

“It is time for us to reset our digital culture. Online defamation, trolling, hate raids, and cancel campaigns are not activism. They are a form of violence. The emotional and psychological harm they inflict is real, and we must treat it as such,” said Charlene.

She expressed her appreciation to the authorities who handled the matter, which is still active in court but nearing resolution.

The case is expected to be mentioned in court on August 19, 2025, where both parties are set to formally record a mutual settlement.

The move comes after Charlene skipped a court date last week, with Ochora making an application for the case to be dismissed.