Charlene Ruto, the daughter of President William Ruto, has announced her decision to forgive Kenyan author Webster Ochora Elijah, opting to withdraw legal proceedings against him and pursue an alternative path to justice.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 28, Charlene revealed that the move follows weeks of consistent outreach and appeals through her legal representatives, Kachapin & Company Advocates, from Ochora, who has been seeking an amicable settlement.

Ochora authored a book referencing Charlene without obtaining her prior consent, an act she described as a “misuse” of her name.

“His words and the sincerity behind them have touched me deeply,” Charlene stated. “I believe that taking responsibility and being accountable for one’s actions is not a sign of weakness. It is a profound demonstration of strength and character.”

Charlene emphasized that her decision to forgive was grounded not just in personal conviction, but also in her broader advocacy for responsible leadership, restorative dialogue, and youth empowerment.

“As a youth champion and as someone deeply committed to positive dialogue and responsible leadership, I have chosen to extend forgiveness. I have also agreed to pursue alternative dispute resolution outside the courts,” she said.

The First Daughter added that the issue at the heart of the legal dispute extended beyond her personal grievance, pointing to a larger societal problem: the escalating culture of online hostility and character defamation, particularly targeting public figures and vulnerable individuals.

“This case was never just about me. And it was never only about the young man involved. It was about something bigger a growing issue in our society that we can no longer ignore: the normalization of online hostility, defamation, and the careless destruction of reputations, all amplified by the vast reach and anonymity of the internet," said Charlene.

Charlene further clarified that her initial decision to take legal action was motivated by a desire to stand in solidarity with the many Kenyans, especially young people who face abuse, harassment, and defamation in digital spaces with little recourse or protection.

“When I took legal action, it was not solely to protect my name. It was to stand up for the many people, especially young people, who suffer in silence from online abuse with no voice and no avenue for justice. People whose careers have been damaged, whose mental health has been compromised, and whose dignity has been stripped away by targeted digital attacks," she said.

Her decision to resolve the matter outside court is being viewed by some as a notable gesture toward promoting reconciliation and dialogue in an age increasingly marked by digital vitriol and misinformation.