Charlene Challenges Standard Reports
The dispute centres on a Standard publication dated August 30 that carried a front-page feature titled “THE TRAIL…” and a page-six story headlined “Police uniform tender trail links Alusala teacher and First Family.”
According to court documents cited in the reports, Charlene argued that the stories created an impression that she had participated in, supplied goods under, or benefited from the police uniform procurement.
She has denied involvement in the tender and challenged the continued availability of the reports online.
“The publications… created an impression that she participated in, supplied under, or benefited from the procurement.”
Police Clarify Tender Details
The case follows a separate clarification from the National Police Service over the company identified in earlier reports.
The NPS said Nalitex Limited did not participate in the procurement process, was not awarded the contract, was not a subcontractor and did not receive payment or a purchase order linked to the tender.
The service identified Bedi Investments Limited as the company awarded the contract.
The uniform procurement was valued at about KSh2.8 billion, making the allegations a matter of significant public interest.
President Ruto officially launched the new police uniforms on August 28, following reforms to the police uniform.
Court Restrains Further Publication
Charlene told the court that she had previously issued the Standard with a demand and right-of-reply notice seeking a correction, retraction and apology.
She also raised concerns that the material remained accessible online and could continue circulating through digital platforms.
The interim orders now restrict the Standard Group from repeating or republishing the allegations concerning Charlene and the police uniform procurement pending further proceedings.
The court has given the respondents seven days to file their responses. The matter is scheduled for mention on October 19, 2026.
The orders are interim and do not amount to a final determination of the underlying dispute. The court will still consider the parties' arguments before making further directions.
