21 years after Rs 200 bribe conviction, Punjab and Haryana High Court acquits clerk

Nairobi, September 14 – The High Court has issued interim orders restraining the Standard Group from further spreading allegations connecting President William Ruto's daughter, Charlene Ruto, to the acquisition of uniforms for the Kenya Police Service. These orders arose from a lawsuit filed by Ms. Ruto against a publication by The Standard on August 30, 2026, featuring a front-page article and a page six piece that allegedly linked Charlene Ruto to the Sh2.8 billion police uniform tender.

Ms. Ruto's lawyers argued that the articles suggested her involvement, supply, or benefit from the procurement process, creating a false impression. The National Police Service subsequently clarified that the subcontractor, Nalitex Limited, was not part of the procurement process, nor did they win the contract, receive a purchase order, or payment.

Ms. Ruto had previously served the Standard Group with a written demand for a correction, retraction, and apology, but the contested material remained online and could be further circulated digitally, causing ongoing harm. In her request for interim relief, Ms. Ruto sought to prevent the respondents from repeating, republishing, reposting, or disseminating similar allegations without verified evidence of her actual involvement or benefit.

She also requested an order for The Standard to remove or disable online access to the disputed publications until the case is resolved, or to include a corrective notice if they continue to portray her in a misleading manner.

The court granted this request, effectively restraining the Standard Group from further disseminating the alleged allegations pending further court directions. Respondents were given seven days to respond to the application, allowing them to present their position before the court addresses the substantive issues. The matter will be revisited on October 19, 2026.