The High Court has issued interim orders restraining the Standard Group from repeating or republishing allegations linking President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, to the alleged KSh2.8 billion Kenya Police Service uniform procurement.
The orders followed an application filed by Charlene Ruto challenging a publication by the Standard dated August 30, 2026, which included a front-page feature headlined “THE TRAIL…” and a page six story titled “Police uniform tender trail links Alusala teacher and First Family.”
Charlene argues that the publications expressly or by implication associated her with the police uniform procurement and created the impression that she participated in, supplied under or benefited from the tender. Through her lawyers, the President’s daughter told the court that the National Police Service subsequently clarified that Nalitex Limited did not participate in the procurement process, was not awarded the contract, was not a subcontractor and did not receive any purchase order or payment relating to the tender.
According to the court documents, the National Police Service identified Bedi Investments Limited as the contractor.
Charlene further claims that she served the Standard with a written demand and right of reply notice seeking a correction, retraction and apology over the publication. She told the court that despite the demand, the disputed material remained available online and capable of continued digital circulation and republication, which she said continued to cause reputational harm.
In her application, Charlene sought orders restraining the Standard Group from repeating, republishing, reposting, distributing or otherwise disseminating the same or substantially similar allegations concerning her unless supported by verified evidence establishing her actual participation in or benefit from the procurement. She also asked the court to direct the Standard, pending determination of the case, to disable or remove the online and digital versions of the disputed publication or, alternatively, place a clear corrective notice on them.
The High Court granted interim prayer number two of the Notice of Motion, effectively restraining further dissemination of the contested allegations pending further directions.
The respondents have been given seven days to file their responses to the application.
The matter will be mentioned on October 19, 2026.
