Preacher Robert Burale Takes Legal Action Against Media Personality Alex Mwakideu and His Sister Rozina Over Defamation Claims
Nairobi, Kenya — A heated legal battle is brewing in Kenya’s entertainment and media space after renowned preacher and motivational speaker Robert Burale filed a Ksh 20 million defamation lawsuit against celebrated radio presenter Alex Mwakideu and his sister Rozina Mwakideu. The case stems from an emotionally charged interview shared on Alex Mwakideu TV’s YouTube channel, which has since gone viral, sparking widespread debate on social media platforms.
The High Court in Nairobi has officially certified the petition as urgent, setting the stage for what could become one of the most high-profile defamation cases involving Kenyan media personalities in recent years.
Court Certifies Case as Urgent
According to a court notice dated Thursday, October 9, 2025, Justice Stephen Onjoro certified the petition filed by Robert Burale as urgent and directed that the application be served immediately to the respondents — Alex Mwakideu and his sister Rozina.
The court further set October 23, 2025, as the official hearing date for the petition, requiring all parties involved to appear in court.
Justice Onjoro also warned that any disobedience or non-compliance with the court’s directives would result in penal consequences, underscoring the seriousness of the matter.
Burale’s Ksh 20 Million Defamation Claim
In his petition dated Wednesday, October 8, Burale is seeking Ksh 20 million in damages, accusing the Mwakideu siblings of spreading false and malicious information that allegedly damaged his public image and professional reputation.
Burale claims that an interview aired on Alex Mwakideu’s YouTube channel contained defamatory remarks made by his ex-wife, Rozina Mwakideu, which painted him in a negative light.
The preacher, who is also known for his motivational talks and church leadership, insists that the allegations made during the interview were fabricated and intentionally designed to humiliate him before the public.
The Controversial Interview: Rozina’s Emotional Revelations
At the heart of the lawsuit is a widely circulated YouTube interview that has since garnered over 650,000 views and been widely shared across social media platforms.
In the interview, Rozina Mwakideu, Alex’s sister, opened up about her short-lived marriage to Burale, describing it as “the darkest moment” in her life. She further claimed that marrying the preacher was “her biggest mistake.”
According to Rozina, the marriage — which lasted just one year — was plagued by emotional neglect, financial struggles, and a lack of intimacy, claiming that Burale emotionally distanced himself from her throughout their relationship.
She also alleged that during their marriage, she gained access to Burale’s personal documents and emails, which reportedly contained shocking details that further strained their union.
Rozina’s revelations triggered massive reactions online, with netizens taking sides and reigniting long-standing debates around celebrity marriages, church leadership, and personal integrity.
Burale’s Legal Arguments
In his petition filed at the Milimani Law Courts, Burale argues that Rozina’s claims were not only false but also maliciously intended to destroy his reputation as a preacher and public figure.
He contends that the statements made by his ex-wife amounted to defamation, as they portrayed him as deceitful, emotionally abusive, and financially unstable — qualities that directly contradict the image he has built over decades as a life coach, author, and religious leader.
Furthermore, Burale accuses Alex Mwakideu of professional negligence, stating that as a media personality, Alex failed to verify the accuracy of the claims before publishing them to the public.
Burale’s legal team insists that Mwakideu should have conducted due diligence by offering him a chance to respond to the allegations prior to releasing the video.
Court Orders and Injunction Requests
In the petition, Burale’s lawyers have asked the court to issue several interim injunctions aimed at protecting his image and preventing further circulation of the disputed content.
Among the requests are:
- Immediate removal of the YouTube video featuring the interview.
- A court order barring the public from reposting or sharing snippets of the interview across any social media platforms.
- A directive compelling the Mwakideus to publicly retract and acknowledge the falsehood of the defamatory remarks.
- A ban on storing, commenting on, or republishing any part of the interview until the case is determined.
One section of the petition reads:
“Pending the hearing and determination of this application inter parte, an injunction be and is hereby granted restraining and prohibiting the sharing or posting of any type of interaction regarding the defamatory publication.”
Another portion adds:
“Pending the hearing and determination of this application and suit, an order of injunctions be and is granted, legally compelling the defendants to publicly withdraw and acknowledge the falsehood of the defamatory verbatim in the video.”
AM TV Responds with Official Statement
Following the trending reports and growing online speculation, Alex Mwakideu TV (AM TV) issued an official statement addressing the matter.
In the statement shared on Thursday, October 9, AM TV clarified that they had not yet been officially served with any legal documents regarding the alleged lawsuit.
“We wish to clarify that we have not yet been officially served with any legal documents. Our legal team is on standby and awaiting formal communication on the matter,” the statement read in part.
The statement also thanked viewers for their continued support and urged them to refrain from speculation until the legal process unfolds.
The note was signed off with AM TV’s tagline, “Telling it as it is with Alex.”
Public Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The case has ignited a storm on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok, with Kenyans expressing mixed reactions.
Supporters of Robert Burale argue that he has a right to protect his reputation from what they describe as “media sensationalism and personal vendettas.”
On the other hand, a section of the public has rallied behind Alex and Rozina, claiming that the interview simply allowed Rozina to share her truth and that the lawsuit could be an attempt to silence women’s voices in toxic relationships.
The controversy has also revived conversations about responsible journalism, the ethics of family-based interviews, and the thin line between storytelling and defamation.
Media Experts Weigh In
Media law experts have noted that the case could set a significant precedent for defamation in digital media, especially in Kenya’s rapidly expanding YouTube and podcast scene.
According to Nairobi-based lawyer Caroline Mburu, the outcome will likely influence how content creators handle personal and sensitive stories in interviews.
“This case touches on two critical issues — freedom of expression and protection of reputation. If the court rules in favor of Burale, we could see more stringent content moderation practices among Kenyan digital creators,” Mburu explained.
She added that the Defamation Act (Cap 36 Laws of Kenya) allows individuals to seek damages if false statements harm their reputation, but proving malice and intent can be challenging in cases involving personal experiences and subjective emotions.
Impact on Alex Mwakideu’s Brand
The lawsuit could potentially have implications for Alex Mwakideu’s media brand, which has built a strong reputation for candid interviews and human-interest stories.
Alex, who is also a celebrated radio host and television personality, launched AM TV to provide a platform for raw and honest storytelling. The channel has since amassed thousands of followers and millions of views across multiple episodes.
However, with this latest controversy, Alex faces the challenge of balancing transparency and professionalism in a media landscape where public opinion can shift rapidly.
Brand analysts have warned that the outcome of the case could influence how advertisers and corporate partners engage with AM TV going forward.
What’s Next: Awaiting Formal Court Proceedings
With the hearing date set for October 23, 2025, all eyes are now on the Milimani Law Courts as the case unfolds. Both parties are expected to appear before Justice Onjoro for mention, where the court will determine whether to extend or modify the interim injunctions sought by Burale.
AM TV’s legal team has confirmed readiness to respond once formally served, indicating that they will defend their journalistic integrity and freedom of expression.
As the nation watches, the case will test the boundaries between free speech and defamation, especially in the context of digital storytelling and online influence.
Conclusion
The Robert Burale vs. Alex Mwakideu & Rozina Mwakideu case has gripped the country, sparking debates on privacy, journalism ethics, and accountability in the digital age.
While Burale insists on protecting his reputation and demanding compensation for emotional and professional harm, the Mwakideus maintain that they are yet to receive any official summons.
Whether this legal showdown ends in settlement, apology, or full trial, one thing is certain — Kenya’s media and influencer industry is watching closely, knowing that the court’s verdict could redefine how personal stories are told in the era of viral content.
