Wamuzi News Ke
Pastor and motivational speaker Robert Burale has filed a defamation suit in the Milimani Chief Magistrates’ Court, demanding KSh 20 million in damages from his ex-wife, Rozina Mwakideu, and media figure Alex Mwakideu following a YouTube interview titled “My Biggest Mistake Was Marrying Robert Burale.”
The suit claims malicious falsehoods and irreparable harm to his reputation and ministry. According to court documents submitted by Burale, the interview—which aired on October 4, 2025—portrayed him as manipulative, hypocritical, deceitful, and homosexual. He argues these claims are entirely false, defamatory, and orchestrated to tarnish his public image as a religious figure and life coach.
Allegations and Legal Basis.
Burale describes himself in court filings as a “cleric of national repute” whose character is central to his ministry. He contends that the defendants failed to seek his response or verify the allegations before making them public, amounting to professional negligence.
He further accuses Alex Mwakideu of actively encouraging viewers to “share widely,” exacerbating the reach and impact of the statements. He cites time stamps from the interview and claims the remarks have lowered his standing among peers, led to ridicule, inflicted mental anguish, and threatened his source of livelihood.
Burale is now seeking a mandatory and permanent injunction to compel removal of the video and related posts, a public apology, and deletion of all re-uploads. The plaintiff also references a separate broadcast on Radio 47 from October 7, 2025, where Alex is alleged to have partially disavowed some statements from the interview.
Court Route and Next Steps.
The case was filed under the court’s fast-track procedure, underscoring the urgency Burale attaches to restoring his name. To date, the defendants have not filed a formal response. The matter is set for mention in court as the legal process begins.
Observers anticipate robust debate over whether the assertions made constitute fair critique or legally actionable defamation.—
Wider Implications and Public Reactions.
This high-profile case signals a growing tension at the intersection of religious leadership, personal life, and digital media accountability. For Burale, the lawsuit is both a claim and a public declaration: that his sacred persona must be defended even beyond the pulpit.
Meanwhile, the defendants may mount defences such as fair comment, truth, or public interest, especially given the nature of the allegations. The court’s ruling could set a benchmark on how Kenyan courts treat defamation in digital broadcasts, particularly involving religious and public figures.As the suit plays out, the public will be watching closely: will this be a victory for reputation, or a chilling blow to free speech and media expression?
