By Eddah Waithaka
Award-winning filmmaker Daudi Anguka brings the criminal underbelly of Mombasa to Showmax next month with his highly anticipated drama thriller, Mizani.
The series premieres exclusively on the streaming platform on February 5, 2026.Anguka, one of the coastal region’s most prominent directors, helms the project under his AR Film Productions banner.
He built his reputation on Swahili telenovelas like Pete, Sanura, and Mkasi, and recently directed Mvera, Kenya’s official submission for the 2024 Academy Awards.
Mizani follows journalist Suleiman, played by Michael Saruni (The Chocolate Empire), as he races against time to save his kidnapped daughter from a powerful organ trafficking ring.
His desperate investigation unravels a web of political corruption, brutal power plays, and devastating family secrets.
“When we created Mizani, the goal was telling stories that reflect the reality of life at the Coast,” said Anguka. “Mizani represents the scales of life where people make choices that can save or destroy them.”
The show expands on the organ trafficking theme Anguka introduced in Mvera, scaling it into a darker, city-wide narrative. “Organ trafficking is a real and growing issue, not just in Kenya but across Africa,” he added. “I wanted to challenge myself creatively and tell a more urgent story that not only entertains but also educates viewers.”
A deep ensemble cast brings the tense story to life. It includes Stephanie Maseki (Mkasi), Kalasha nominee Kieth Chuaga and Anita Wawuda (both Jiji), Kalasha winners Jack Mutinda (Real Househelps of Kawangware) and Denis Humphrey (Sultana), alongside Reinhard Inzai Bonke (Kam U Stay), Bhavnesh Chudasama (Subterranea), and Mehul Malde (Crime & Justice).
Child actors Lyndsey Wanjiku and Ethan Mdeinzi make their television debuts.A team of seasoned directors guides the production, including J.A Chumbe (4 Play), Eric Mdagaya (Mkasi), Bill Jones Afwani (18 Hours), and Isaya Evans (Reckless). Ambat Rioba Mann (Jiji), Brian Munene (Subterranea), Kevin Amakobe, and director Bill Jones Afwani form the show’s writers’ room.
Mizani promises a gripping tale of power, corruption, sacrifice, and redemption where the truth carries a steep price, and family can become the greatest enemy.
