By Edward Lyomu | Mulembe Times | October 9, 2025
Nairobi — Motivational speaker and pastor Robert Burale has taken legal action against his ex-wife Rozinah Mwakideu and popular radio host Alex Mwakideu, demanding KSh 20 million in damages over what he terms as a defamatory YouTube interview.
The suit, filed at the Milimani Chief Magistrates’ Court, stems from a YouTube episode published on Alex Mwakideu TV on October 4, 2025, titled “My Biggest Mistake Was Marrying Robert Burale.”
In the episode, Rozinah — who is Alex Mwakideu’s sister — opened up about her short-lived marriage to Burale, describing it as emotionally draining and “the biggest mistake” of her life. She claimed the relationship left her in distress and suggested that Burale was manipulative, deceptive, and financially irresponsible.
Burale’s Legal Demands
In his court filings, Burale accuses the two of defaming his character and tarnishing his reputation in the eyes of the public. He argues that the statements made during the interview were false, malicious, and intended to portray him as a dishonest and abusive man.
Through his lawyers, Burale is seeking:
- General and aggravated damages totaling KSh 20 million
- A public apology to be issued by both defendants and widely circulated on digital platforms
- A mandatory and permanent injunction to compel the removal of the video and all related posts
- Deletion of any re-uploads or reposts of the interview content on YouTube or other social media platforms
Burale further claims that the viral interview, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), has caused him immense emotional suffering and reputational harm in both his personal and professional circles.
Mwakideu Responds
Responding to the controversy, Alex Mwakideu denied setting up Burale, insisting that he was unaware of the details his sister would share during the interview.
“I did not script or pre-approve Rozinah’s comments. She came to share her story — just like Robert had earlier done in a separate episode,” Alex told Buzz Central.
He added that despite the backlash and the ongoing court battle, his personal relationship with Burale remains cordial.
“We still talk. There’s no bad blood between us. I respect him, and I believe we’ll get through this,” Mwakideu said.
Background to the Fallout
Burale and Rozinah Mwakideu were married for less than a year before separating. The couple’s relationship has long been a subject of speculation in Kenyan social circles, with both previously sharing snippets of their marriage experience in separate interviews.
The October interview reignited public interest, sparking mixed reactions online. Some sympathized with Rozinah for speaking her truth, while others accused her of weaponizing personal history for clout.
The video, which remains live as of Thursday afternoon, has been shared widely across social platforms, with fans debating whether the interview crossed ethical boundaries in journalism and privacy.
Legal Perspective
Defamation cases involving media content have become increasingly common in Kenya as more public figures turn to digital platforms.
Legal experts say the court will have to determine whether Rozinah’s statements were factual, opinion-based, or malicious, and whether Alex, as the host, bears any editorial responsibility for publishing the interview.
If successful, Burale’s case could set a new precedent for online defamation claims in Kenya’s fast-growing digital content industry.
What Lies Ahead
As the case proceeds, both sides have remained tight-lipped about the next steps.
Burale has emphasized that he is pursuing the matter not out of revenge but as a defense of his “integrity and reputation built over years.”
Meanwhile, supporters of both Burale and the Mwakideu family have taken to social media, urging restraint and respect for privacy as the legal process unfolds
