Many Kenyans first came to know Dennis Humphrey through his breakout role as Kaka in Rashid Abdalla’s Sultana—a performance that catapulted him into the spotlight, with fans still fondly calling him by his on-screen name.
He now returns to television as Malo in Daudi Anguka’s crime drama Mizani, starring alongside Michael Saruni and Keith Chuaga. The series is currently airing on Showmax and Maisha Magic Plus.
Away from the cameras, however, the Mombasa-born Kalasha Award-winning filmmaker is far removed from the intense characters that built his fame. Reserved and deeply reflective, he is a scriptwriter and storyteller driven by a passion for authenticity and African narratives.
In this exclusive interview, Humphrey opens up about navigating fame, his commitment to telling Kenya’s untold stories, and his highly anticipated return to the small screen.
You are an award-winning filmmaker, and you won two Kalasha Awards in 2021. Tell us about this.
Winning two Kalasha Awards in 2021 was surreal. I was still in my mid-20s. I had just entered the industry with my first short film, Fikirini, which I produced and wrote. I honestly didn’t expect it. Not two awards. Not that reception.
What stayed with me was the feedback. It was real. People saw the work, understood it, accepted it.
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.
Many people know you from being on screen, but you’ve built a strong career behind the scenes too, especially in scripting and short films. Can you tell us more about that side of your work and what you’re passionate about?
Most people know me from the screen, but writing is where everything started. 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 pushed me to try acting for real, and my first big break was Sultana.
The character connected with people, and that is when I knew I could do this.
Since then, I have acted in Mkasi, worked on the theatre project Redemption, and continued producing my 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.
What is inspiring about Daudi, from one filmmaker to another?
Watching him grow, lifting the Mombasa flag higher and higher—it means everything. 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.
Most people wouldn’t assume you’re an introvert. Are you an only child?
I’m not an only child. I come from a big family—six siblings. I’m the third-born, right in the middle.
When you’re not on set, how do you unwind and stay sane?
I watch movies. That’s how I unwind. It relaxes me, teaches me, and entertains me at the same time.
Right now, I am watching Jiji and Second Family.
My favorite show of all time? Snowfall. No debate. Best Kenyan film of all time? Nairobi Half Life.
In terms of African storytelling, what do you think the future should look like? And as a filmmaker, what kinds of stories would you like to work on?
I believe the future of African storytelling lies in authenticity. Human stories. Stories people can relate to.
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.
Even our historical stories, like Kaya Bombo or Nabongo, remain unexplored on screen. We don’t always need to invent worlds. Sometimes we just need to look around.
Who was the funniest person on set?
It would be Reinhard Inzai Bonke. He has this subtle humor; you might not see the joke coming.
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.
Who was the loudest person on set?
The loudest in a good way is Michael Saruni. He’s very sociable. He talks a lot and can connect with everyone. There’s no dull moment with him.
If your character had a dating profile, say on Tinder, what would their bio say?
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?
Pilau. I don’t do wheat.
Watch Denis in Mizani with new episodes every Wednesday on Showmax and Saturdays on Maisha Magic Plus
