President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto has agreed to withdraw a criminal case against author Webster Ochora Elijah, following a reconciliation agreement that imposes strict conditions on the accused regarding the publication and dissemination of his book.

Appearing before Milimani Magistrate Robinson Ondieki on Monday September 22, 2025, the defence informed the court that both parties had signed a withdrawal agreement in accordance with Section 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cap 75) and Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which promotes alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Under the agreement, Elijah is prohibited from publishing, distributing, or disseminating the book or any material containing content that refers to or purports to narrate, in the first person, the events at the centre of the dispute. This includes any direct or indirect reference to the complainant, Charlene Ruto.

“The Accused shall not publish, distribute, disseminate, or cause to be published in any form or medium the book or any material containing content referring to, depicting, or purporting to narrate in the first person the events forming the subject matter of this case, whether directly or indirectly identifying the Complainant,” reads part of the agreement.

Additionally, the agreement bars the author from transferring any rights related to the book to third parties for purposes of publication, production, or adaptation.

“The Accused shall not sell, license, assign, or otherwise transfer any rights in relation to the said book or its contents to any third party for purposes of publication, production, or adaptation.”

The agreement further states that in the event of a breach of these conditions, the complainant will be at liberty to pursue civil proceedings for damages. The withdrawal of the case will not serve as a defence in such proceedings.

As part of the resolution, Elijah has issued an apology, which Ruto has accepted, paving the way for the matter to be settled amicably.

“The parties, namely Charlene Ruto (Complainant) and Webster Ochora Elijah (Accused), have voluntarily entered into this reconciliation agreement,” the statement presented in court noted.

Consequently, the case — listed as MCCR No. 314 of 2025 — has been marked as settled and withdrawn.

The matter will be mentioned again on October 6th, 2025, for further directions.