Kenyan author Webster Ochora Elijah finds himself at the center of a high-profile investigation after being arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over alleged identity theft linked to his controversial book, Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising.
Ochora, now in custody at Muthaiga Police Station, faces accusations of violating the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act. Investigators are combing through his laptop for digital evidence, and he is set to appear in court on June 3, 2025.
The Allegations
Authorities claim that Ochora used Charlene Ruto’s identity without her consent in his publication. However, his legal team disputes these allegations, arguing that the arrest is a politically charged move aimed at stifling creative freedom.
Legal and Family Support
Senior Advocate Evans Ondeki, representing Ochora, strongly criticized the arrest, stating that public figures should expect scrutiny.
“When you’re associated with public office, you forfeit some of your privacy,” Ondeki argued. “Using a public figure’s name or image for commentary shouldn’t be criminalized.”
Kennedy Mung’are, another lawyer on the defense team, emphasized that Ochora is a respected author, having published works on global figures such as Donald Trump and Raila Odinga. “This young man is being targeted unjustly. His work on Charlene Ruto was intended to highlight her positive contributions,” Mung’are said.
DCI Investigation
DCI officers are now focusing on uncovering the individuals involved in financing and producing the book. Meanwhile, the legal team maintains that no criminal act has been committed.
“Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy,” Ondeki stressed. “Creative endeavors that challenge the status quo should not be met with arrests. We urge the authorities to respect Ochora’s rights and release him immediately.”
Public Debate
Ochora’s arrest has ignited a national debate on the boundaries of free speech, creative expression, and cybercrime enforcement in Kenya. Critics argue that targeting young creatives undermines the country’s democratic principles.
While the exact content of Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising remains undisclosed, the case has raised questions about the balance between public scrutiny and individual rights in a modern democracy.
