A Nairobi court has postponed the ruling in the high-profile case of Webster Ochora Elijah, who is charged with impersonating Charlene Ruto and authoring a book on her behalf.The judgment, initially to be held on July 28, was adjourned after defense lawyer Evans Ondieki informed Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki that both parties were working towards an out-of-court settlement. The magistrate also mentioned as one of the grounds for the postponement gaps in documentation, where it stated, “Some areas are not stated.”.
Ochora is accused of violating Section 382(1) of the Penal Code for impersonating the First Daughter and releasing a book titled Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising by Zawadi Publishers before May 22, 2025.The defence added that Charlene and Ochora have since reconciled and are in the process of finalizing the terms of settlement. The court granted an extension of three weeks, and the case is to be mentioned again on August 19.
Prior to this, on July 22, the hearing was disrupted when Charlene failed to appear in court. The prosecution had summoned her but the defence complained, stating she was out of the country and was not expected to give evidence in the near future. Lawyer Ondieki condemned the no-show, stating it was not proper for a complainant to fail to attend court hearings following the lodgment of a formal complaint.
Ochora’s compliance with the authorities, including handing over the manuscript and following all the inquiries, was noticed by the defence. He had previously been let out on a Sh50,000 cash bail.Charlene’s lawyer, Kevin Kachapin, had moved to take part virtually due to obligations in Kitale, but the defence opposed the application, citing the case must proceed physically.
