The ongoing legal battle between renowned pastor Robert Burale and media personality Alex Mwakideu alongside his sister Rozinah Mwakideu has intensified, following the siblings’ latest move to hire one of Kenya’s top litigation lawyers to fight back against a KSh 20 million defamation suit.
The Mwakideus have enlisted O.D. Okutah, a respected advocate known for handling high-stakes cases involving political and public figures.
Okutah’s impressive client list includes names such as Raila Odinga, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola—signaling that the siblings are taking the matter with utmost seriousness.
The development came to light after political commentator Cyprian Nyakundi shared a copy of the Notice of Appointment of Advocates filed at the Chief Magistrates’ Court, Milimani, dated October 22, 2025.Alex Mwakideu also confirmed that they had been served and that the information was true during his show at Radio47 .
Case Set for First Mention
Rozinah Mwakideu confirmed through her Facebook account that the matter was scheduled for its first mention on October 23, 2025. In her heartfelt post, she reflected on the significance of the day while expressing confidence in divine justice.
“Hey Mpendwa ? Today, 23rd October 2025, may be a kawaida day for you. It is the day that my brother Alex and I will be mentioned in court for the first time as defendants—being sued for KSh 20M for defamation by Robert Burale. In all this, one thing I know for sure: God will be greatly glorified. May peace continue to fill our hearts. Thank you for your prayers and support,” she wrote.
Read more : Rozinah Mwakideu Reveals Reason for Sharing Her Story on Brother's Podcast
The post quickly gained traction online, with fans flooding the comments to offer prayers and words of encouragement.
Alex Mwakideu Firm Defense: Truth as a Shield
In a statement made in his court-affidavit, Alex Mwakideu has dismissed the defamation claims as “misguided and premature,” asserting that the content of the interview was rooted in factual experiences shared by his sister.
“Having thoroughly reviewed the pleadings, I only admit holding and publishing the interviews. I deny defaming Burale. The content of the interview is based on truth. Truth cannot defame. Truth is a complete defence to defamation,” Mwakideu said in a statement.
This strong rebuttal indicates that the siblings intend to rely on truth as their central defense, a principle well-recognized in Kenyan defamation law.
The Core of the Dispute
The case arises from a controversial interview aired on “Alex Mwakideu TV”, titled “My Biggest Mistake Was Marrying Robert Burale.”
In the explosive video, Rozinah Mwakideu, Burale’s ex-wife, opened up about their brief marriage, describing her experiences in ways that Burale claims were defamatory.
According to court filings, Pastor Burale alleges that the interview portrayed him as “manipulative, hypocritical, a swindler,” among other accusations he says have gravely tarnished his reputation as a respected preacher and motivational speaker.
Burale is seeking KSh 20 million in general damages, a permanent injunction compelling the removal of the video from YouTube, and a public apology published across major platforms.
A Case That Tests Free Expression and Reputation
This case has sparked widespread debate on the limits of free expression, online journalism, and personal reputation in Kenya’s growing digital media space.
With both sides holding firm Burale defending his dignity and the Mwakideus standing by their truth the proceedings promise to set a precedent in how the courts balance freedom of speech with the right to reputation.
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