Showmax is set to unveil Mizani, a gripping new drama thriller from acclaimed Kenyan filmmaker Daudi Anguka, when it premieres on February 5, 2026. The series dives deep into the shadowy world of crime in Mombasa, offering a raw and compelling portrayal of life along Kenya’s coast.
Anguka, a celebrated storyteller from the Coast region, brings his proven creative vision to the project through AR Film Productions. He is best known for hit Swahili productions such as Pete, Sanura, and Mkasi, as well as Mvera, Kenya’s official entry to the 2024 Academy Awards.
With Mizani, he continues to cement his reputation as one of the country’s most influential voices in film and television.
Mizani follows a journalist, Suleiman (Michael Saruni, The Chocolate Empire), whose daughter is kidnapped by an organ trafficking ring in the coastal city.
Desperate to save her, he must fight the powerful politically backed syndicate. As Suleiman digs deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of corruption, power plays, and shocking family secrets.
The show features an ensemble cast including Stephanie Maseki (Mkasi), Kalasha nominee Kieth Chuaga (Jiji), Kalasha winners Jack Mutinda (Real Househelps of Kawangware) and Denis Humphrey (Sultana), Anita Wawuda (Jiji), Reinhard Inzai Bonke (Kam U Stay), Bhavnesh Chudasama (Subterranea), Mehul Malde (Crime & Justice), Kathleen Mckenzie (Maria), Ashik Ali (Zari), Mariam Mzee (Sultana), Patrick Owino (Zari), Victor Opondo (Mvera) and Nima Kubo (Karata). Child actors Lyndsey Wanjiku and Ethan Mdeinzi make their TV debut.
The show is directed by J.A Chumbe (4 Play), Eric Mdagaya (Mkasi), Bill Jones Afwani (18 Hours) and Isaya Evans (Reckless). The writer’s room includes Ambat Rioba Mann (Jiji), Brian Munene (Subterranea), Kevin Amakobe as well as show director Bill Jones Afwani.
“When we created Mizani, the goal was to tell stories that reflect the reality of life at the Coast. Mizani represents the scales of life where people make choices that can save or destroy them,” said Anguka while reflecting on the show.
The show expands the organ trafficking theme introduced in Mvera and scales it up against Mombasa’s coast city backdrop.
“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,” added Anguka.
Mizani is a gripping tale of power, corruption, sacrifice, and redemption where the truth comes at a steep price, and even family can be your greatest enemy.
