The Milimani Law Court has given fresh directions in the ongoing defamation case filed by motivational speaker and pastor Robert Burale against media personality Alex Mwakideu and his sister Rozina Mwakideu.
In the directive issued by Senior Principal Magistrate S.K. Onjoro, the court certified the case as urgent and instructed Burale’s legal team to serve the defendants immediately with all necessary documents, paving the way for the formal commencement of proceedings.
The matter has been scheduled for mention on October 23, 2025, when all parties are expected to appear in court. The magistrate further cautioned that failure to comply with service or appearance orders could attract legal penalties, underscoring the seriousness of the defamation petition.
The case stems from an interview that aired on Alex Mwakideu’s digital platform, during which Rozina Mwakideu, who is also Burale’s ex-wife, made comments about their past marriage that quickly went viral.
In his petition, Burale argues that the conversation contained false and defamatory statements that “gravely injured his reputation” as a public figure, pastor, and mentor. He claims the broadcast painted him as “a manipulative and dishonest man,” and says the statements have caused “emotional distress and reputational harm.”
Through his lawyers, Burale is seeking Sh 20 million in damages, a public apology, and a permanent injunction restraining the Mwakideus or anyone acting on their behalf from further publishing or discussing the matter online.
Additionally, he has requested the court to issue temporary orders compelling the defendants to pull down the viral interview from YouTube and social media, pending the determination of the case.
In Thursday’s brief session, the court acknowledged that the suit raises issues of public concern due to its viral nature and the prominence of those involved.
Magistrate Onjoro directed Burale’s legal representatives to serve Alex and Rozina with the pleadings “without delay” and to file proof of service before the mention date.
“The matter having been certified urgent, the plaintiff is directed to ensure timely service of the pleadings on all respondents to enable them to respond appropriately,” the ruling stated in part.
The judge also confirmed that both sides will have the opportunity to make submissions on whether temporary injunctions should be granted — a move that could see parts of the interview taken down while the case proceeds.
While the interview resonated with many viewers for its candidness, Burale argued it crossed personal and professional boundaries, turning private matters into public fodder.
Shortly after the video gained traction online, the former couple’s private life became a trending topic across social platforms, with fans and fellow celebrities weighing in.
Some commenters sympathized with Rozina’s vulnerability, while others defended Burale, saying the discussion was unfair and defamatory.