Charlene Ruto has withdrawn a criminal case she had filed against author Webster Ochora Elijah after the two struck a settlement deal anchored on apology and strict publishing restrictions.
On Monday, Milimani Magistrate Robinson Ondieki was informed that the matter had been resolved through a reconciliation agreement filed under Section 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code and Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution, which promote alternative dispute resolution.
According to the agreement, Elijah tendered a formal apology which Ruto accepted, paving the way for the termination of the case. However, the settlement imposes far-reaching conditions on the writer. He is prohibited from publishing, distributing, or disseminating his book or any related material that references Charlene Ruto or events linked to the dispute.
“The accused shall not publish, distribute, disseminate, or cause to be published in any form or medium the book or any material referring to the events that formed the subject matter of this case,” reads part of the agreement.
The author is also barred from assigning or transferring rights to the disputed book for purposes of publication, production, or adaptation. Should he breach these terms, Ruto will be at liberty to pursue civil remedies, with the withdrawal of the criminal case offering no defence.
With the apology accepted and the settlement in place, the case registered as MCCR No. 314 of 2025 was marked as withdrawn. The court has scheduled a mention on October 6, 2025, to give further directions.
