A man accused of impersonating Charlene Ruto by publishing a book without her consent has asked a Nairobi court to order the return of his confiscated laptop.
Webster Ochora Elijah, who is facing charges of impersonation, told the court that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) seized his laptop from his office and had not returned it.
“My laptop is my tool of trade. It contains other projects belonging to my clients and my personal work,” he said, urging the court to direct its release.
The prosecution told the court that the device was still undergoing forensic examination.
Magistrate Robinson Ondieki noted that tools of trade are usually not held in civil matters and asked investigators to expedite the process.
An investigating officer said the analysis would be completed within a week.
The magistrate directed that the laptop be returned once the forensic review is finished.
The complainant’s representative confirmed that all witness statements had been received.
The matter will be mentioned on July 10, 2025, to confirm the return of the laptop, with the hearing set for July 22, 2025.
Ochora is charged with impersonation under Section 382(1) of the Penal Code.
According to the charge sheet, between an unknown date and May 22, 2025, he allegedly posed as Charlene Ruto and, under the name Zawadi Publishers, authored and circulated a book titled Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising.
Ochora’s lawyer told the court that his client had cooperated with investigators, surrendered a confidential manuscript, and signed an inventory before being held in custody for four days.
The defence asked the court to consider releasing him on a free bond, describing him as a student and a creative.
The prosecution did not oppose the bond application and confirmed all evidentiary materials would be shared with the defence.
Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo granted Ochora a cash bail of Sh50,000 with two contact persons.
