The legal battle between pastor and motivational speaker Robert Burale and media personality Alex Mwakideu alongside his sister Rozinah Mwakideu has taken a new twist after the siblings enlisted one of Kenya’s most prominent litigators to defend them in the KSh 20 million defamation case.
The Mwakideus have appointed O.D. Okutah, a seasoned advocate known for representing leading political and public figures in high-profile cases. The decision underscores the siblings’ determination to mount a strong defense against Burale’s claims.
Legal Representation and Case Progress
According to court documents filed at the Milimani Chief Magistrates’ Court, the Mwakideus officially named their legal counsel earlier this week. They confirmed receipt of the lawsuit and indicated that preparations for their defense are already underway.
Rozinah revealed that the case is scheduled for its first mention on October 23, 2025. In a calm and faith-filled post shared online, she expressed confidence in the justice process and thanked her supporters for their encouragement during the legal ordeal.
Her message quickly drew widespread support from fans and fellow media personalities, many of whom commended the siblings for their composure and reliance on faith amid the legal storm.
Alex Mwakideu’s Defense: “Truth Is a Shield”
In his affidavit, Alex Mwakideu firmly denied the defamation allegations, maintaining that the interview in question was grounded in factual experiences shared by his sister.
“I only admit to hosting and publishing the interview, but I deny defaming Burale. The content was grounded in truth — and truth, by law, cannot amount to defamation,” he stated.
This defense hinges on the legal principle that truth constitutes a complete defense in defamation cases — a cornerstone of Kenyan jurisprudence that could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the case.
The Root of the Dispute
The case stems from an interview published on Alex Mwakideu TV, titled “My Biggest Mistake Was Marrying Robert Burale.” In the video, Rozinah candidly discussed her short-lived marriage to Burale, recounting personal experiences that the pastor later claimed had severely harmed his reputation.
In his suit, Burale alleges that the interview portrayed him as manipulative and deceitful — characterizations he says have tarnished his public image and caused personal and professional harm. He is seeking KSh 20 million in damages, a permanent injunction to remove the video from YouTube, and a public apology to be aired across major media platforms.
A Test of Free Expression and Reputation
The unfolding case has sparked national debate on the delicate balance between freedom of expression and protection of reputation in Kenya’s digital media landscape. Many observers see it as a potential landmark case in defining how courts interpret defamation in the era of online storytelling and influencer-led content.
As both parties prepare for the legal showdown — Burale defending his dignity and the Mwakideus standing by their truth — the court’s ruling could set an important precedent for content creators, journalists, and public figures navigating Kenya’s evolving media laws.
