Award‑winning filmmaker Daudi Anguka is set to make his Showmax debut with the drama‑thriller series Mizani, premiering on 5 February 2026.
Set in Mombasa’s criminal underbelly, the series follows a journalist whose daughter is kidnapped by a powerful, politically backed organ trafficking ring. Desperate to save her, he must confront the syndicate, uncovering a tangled web of corruption, power plays, and shocking family secrets.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
Mizani features a diverse cast led by Michael Saruni (The Chocolate Empire). Joining him are:
- Stephanie Maseki (Mkasi)
- Kieth Chuaga (Jiji)
- Bhavnesh Chudasama (Subterranea)
- Jack Mutinda (It’s A Free Country)
- Denis Humphrey (Sultana)
- Anita Wawuda (Jiji)
- Reinhard Inzai Bonke (Kam U Stay)
- Mehul Malde (Crime & Justice)
- Kathleen McKenzie (Maria)
- Ashik Ali (Zari)
- Mariam Mzee (Sultana)
- Patrick Owino (Zari)
- Victor Opondo (Mvera)
- Nima Kubo (Karata)
Child actors Lyndsey Wanjiku and Ethan Mdeinzi make their TV debut in the series.
Anguka’s Swahili Storytelling Legacy
Produced under AR Film Productions, Mizani continues Anguka’s tradition of impactful Swahili storytelling. He is celebrated for the long‑running, Kalasha‑winning telenovelas Pete and Sanura. His short film Zilizala (2017) won Best Indigenous Language Movie (Swahili) at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, while his debut feature Mvera was Kenya’s official submission to the 2024 Oscars.
Expanding on Mvera’s Themes
Anguka explains that Mizani builds on the organ trafficking theme introduced in Mvera:
“Organ trafficking is a real and growing issue, not just in Kenya but across Africa. I wanted to challenge myself creatively and tell a darker, more urgent story that not only entertains but also educates viewers.”
He adds:
“Mizani represents the scales of life where people make choices that can save or destroy them.”
Creative Team Behind the Scenes
The series is directed by Janet Chumbe (4Play), Eric Mdagaya (Mkasi), Isaya Evans (Reckless), and Bill Jones Afwani (18 Hours). Afwani also contributes to the writers’ room alongside Brian Munene (Subterranea), Ambat Rioba Mann (Jiji), and *Kevin Amakobe.
A Story of Power, Corruption, and Redemption
Mizani is a gripping tale of sacrifice and survival, where the truth comes at a steep price and even family can become your greatest enemy.
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