By Eddah Waithaka
The Kalasha-winning actor opens up about fame, his return to TV in crime drama Mizani, and his mission to tell Kenya’s untold stories.
Many Kenyans first met Dennis Humphrey as Kaka in Rashid Abdalla’s popular drama Sultana, a role that launched the young Mombasa-born actor into national fame.
Fans still call him by that character name.But the real Dennis Humphrey, the one off-screen, bears little resemblance to the characters who made him famous.
Behind the dashing looks and towering figure lives an introvert, a scriptwriter, and a storyteller obsessed with truth.Now Humphrey returns to television as Malo in Daudi Anguka’s crime drama Mizani, starring alongside Michael Saruni and Keith Chuaga.
The series currently airs on Showmax and Maisha Magic Plus.In this exclusive interview, the Kalasha-winning filmmaker opens up about his craft, his love for authentic African stories, and what drives him as an artist.
Winning Big at the Kalasha Awards
Humphrey’s journey reached a major milestone in 2021 when he secured two Kalasha Awards for his short film Fikirini, which he both produced and wrote.
“Winning two Kalasha Awards in 2021 was surreal,” Humphrey recalls. “I was still in my mid-20s. I had just entered the industry with my first short film. I honestly didn’t expect it. Not two awards. Not that reception.”
The recognition validated years of hard work and belief from those closest to him.”What stayed with me was the feedback. It was real. People saw the work, understood it, accepted it,” he says.
“My mother was proud. The people who backed me felt validated. We worked hard on that project, and when God puts His hand on something, it shows. That day was unbelievable but more than anything, it was worth it.”
The Writer Behind the Actor
While audiences know Humphrey from his on-screen performances, his career began behind the camera. “Most people know me from the screen, but writing is where everything started,” he explains.
“I’ve been a writer for about five years, working with major companies in Kenya. Through writing, I discovered the many dimensions of acting.”
That curiosity led him to pursue acting seriously. His first major breakthrough came with Sultana.”The character connected with people, and that is when I knew I could do this,” Humphrey says.
Since then, he has appeared in Mkasi, worked on the theatre project Redemption, and continued producing his own films.”Balancing acting, writing for others, and producing my own work hasn’t been easy but I am learning how to make it work,” he admits.
Drawing Inspiration from Fellow Filmmaker Daudi Anguka
Working with director Daudi Anguka on Mizani holds special meaning for Humphrey, who sees the filmmaker as a role model from their shared coastal background.”Watching him grow, lifting the Mombasa flag higher and higher, it means everything,” Humphrey says.
“He shows young people that it is possible. He doesn’t just succeed and disappear; he reaches back, holds hands, and shows people the steps. When someone from your background makes it, you believe you can too.”
The Introvert Behind the Screen
Despite his commanding on-screen presence, Humphrey identifies as an introvert, a revelation that surprises many fans.”I come from a big family—six siblings. I’m the third-born, right in the middle,” he shares.When not on set, he finds solace in watching films.”That’s how I unwind. It relaxes me, teaches me, and entertains me at the same time,” Humphrey says. “Right now, I am watching Jiji and Second Family.”His all-time favorite show? “Snowfall. No debate.”And the best Kenyan film ever made? “Nairobi Half Life,” he states without hesitation.
The Future of African Storytelling
Humphrey envisions a future where African stories draw from the rich, unexplored narratives within local communities.”I believe the future of African storytelling lies in authenticity. Human stories. Stories people can relate to,” he asserts.
“There are powerful narratives in our communities that haven’t been told yet. Some topics I am working on have only appeared in documentaries, not films.
“He points to historical stories ripe for cinematic treatment.”Even our historical stories, like Kaya Bombo or Nabongo, remain unexplored on screen,” Humphrey notes.
“We don’t always need to invent worlds. Sometimes we just need to look around.”
Life on the Mizani Set
The Mizani set brought together a cast with memorable personalities.When asked about the funniest person during filming, Humphrey points to Reinhard Inzai Bonke.”He has this subtle humor; you might not see the joke coming,” Humphrey describes.
“He doesn’t joke around loudly, but from the time I’ve spent with him, it’s been full of laughter. He’s just naturally funny.”
The loudest cast member? Michael Saruni takes that title—in the best way possible.”He’s very sociable. He talks a lot and can connect with everyone,” Humphrey says. “There’s no dull moment with him.”
If Malo Had a Dating Profile
Humphrey imagines what his Mizani character Malo might write on a dating app like Tinder.”Bio: Tall, dark and handsome. Special skills: Negotiating. I smoke. I drink. If you want danger with a soft side, swipe right.”Pilau or Chapati?The coastal native’s food preference reveals his roots.”Pilau. I don’t do wheat,” Humphrey says with a laugh.
Watch Dennis Humphrey in Mizani with new episodes every Wednesday on Showmax and Saturdays on Maisha Magic Plus.
