Kenyan author arrested and arraigned in court for writing a book about president's daughter

Kenyan free-speech advocates and lawyers have condemned the prosecution of the author of an unauthorised biography of Kenyan President William Ruto's daughter.

Charlene Ruto accused Webster, Ochora Elijah, of "misusing" her name by writing the book without first seeking permission from her.

On Tuesday, the author was arrested and charged with impersonation over the book titled, Beyond the Name: Charlene Ruto and the Youth Uprising. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.

Ms Ruto told journalists that she had reported the matter to the police and was following legal procedures. She is listed as the complainant on the charge sheet.

The charge alleges that the accused published the book on or before May 22, alongside others who are yet to be charged, with the intention to defraud.

The president's daughter has not complained about the contents of the book, just that it was written without her permission.