The highly publicized legal battle between motivational speaker and pastor, Robert Burale and media personality Alex Mwakideu alongside his sister Rozinah Mwakideu, took a new turn with a virtual court hearing set to take place on October 23, 2025 at the Milimani Law Courts.
The case which has drawn wide-spread attention online, stems from a Youtube interview that happened early this month, where Rozinah opened up about her short-lived marriage to Burale, describing it as “the darkest period of her life.”
Burale later filed a defamation suit against both Alex and Rozinah , seeking Ksh 20 million in damages, the removal of the interview online and an official apology, arguing that the video portrayed him as manipulative, deceitful and immoral, claims he says are false and deeply damaging his reputation.
Speaking Thursday morning during the #MwashumbeNaMwakideu show at Radio 47, Alex addressed the matter publicly. He expressed his hopes and prayer that the case will go well and will conclude peacefully without any complications.
In his message, Alex maintained that despite the ongoing dispute, Robert Burale remains family and a close friend to him.
He clarified that he never intended to harm or defame Robert and that the interview was simply a platform for Rozinah to share her story. His tone seemed to signal a desire for reconciliation rather than confrontation, even as the case continues to unfold in court.
The Mwakideus are being represented by a well-known lawyer Ochiel Dudley, a respected advocate who has handled several high-profile cases in Kenya, involving public figures like the late Raila Odinga and former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua.
Dudley’s involvement adds significant legal weight to the defense, especially given his experience in defamation law. According to court directions, the case will proceed, with all parties expected to attend virtually for the scheduled mention.
At the heart of the dispute lies the growing tension between media freedom and personal reputation in Kenya’s fast-evolving digital landscape. As more celebrities and media personalities turn to platforms like YouTube to tell personal stories, questions of accountability, privacy, and defamation have become more pronounced.
For Alex Mwakideu, a long-time radio host known for his charm and professionalism, the case presents a delicate balancing act between friendship, faith, and the responsibilities that come with running a public platform.
As the court process moves forward, Kenyans are closely watching to see how the judge will interpret the boundaries of online speech and personal reputation. Whether the matter will be resolved amicably or proceed to a full trial remains to be seen, but both sides appear hopeful for a fair and peaceful conclusion.
