Charlene Ruto: Being in public eye should not cost safety or respect
By Steve Ireri, July 28, 2025President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Chelagat, has issued a powerful call for dignity and respect towards individuals in the public eye.
In a press statement shared on her socials on Monday, July 28, 2025, the first daughter emphasised that holding a public role, whether as an artiste, politician, faith leader, CEO, or content creator, should never mean sacrificing one’s right to safety, privacy, truth, or respect.
She made it clear that being visible to the public does not render a person less human or strip away their constitutional rights.
“Let me be clear. Being in the public eye does not make anyone fair game. Whether you are an artist, a politician, a faith leader, a CEO, or a content creator, public visibility should never cost you your right to safety, truth, privacy, or respect. Holding a public role does not make us less human. It does not take away our constitutional rights, nor should it diminish our expectation of dignity.”
Charlene then drew attention to the growing scourge of online defamation, trolling, hate raids, and cancel campaigns, describing these acts not as activism but as forms of violence.
She warned of the real emotional and psychological harm inflicted on victims of such abuse, urging society to recognise and address the serious consequences of digital harassment.
“It is time for us to reset our digital culture. Online defamation, trolling, hate raids, and cancel campaigns are not activism. They are a form of violence. The emotional and psychological harm they inflict is real, and we must treat it as such.”
Message to NPS
Charlene then thanked the National Police Service and the Judiciary for their professionalism and fairness in handling a recent defamation case involving her.
She also acknowledged the overwhelming support and guidance she received from well-wishers and allies throughout the process.
On that note, she also revealed that the matter in question is scheduled to be mentioned in court on Monday, August 19, 2025, where both parties are expected to formally record a mutual settlement.
“I am sincerely grateful to the National Police Service and the Judiciary for their professionalism and fairness in handling this matter. I also extend heartfelt thanks to all those who offered support, guidance, and strength throughout this journey,” she added.
While Charlene described the legal chapter as “nearly closed”, she emphasised that the broader conversation about creating a more respectful and humane digital society must continue.
She reminded the public that those in the spotlight remain entitled to human dignity and respect.
“The matter is scheduled to be mentioned in court on 19th August 2025, where both parties are expected to formally record a mutual settlement. For me, this chapter is nearly closed. But the broader conversation and the work to build a more respectful and humane digital society must continue.”
