Award-winning filmmaker Daudi Anguka is set to make his Showmax debut with new drama thriller, Mizani, shot and set in Mombasa’s criminal underbelly. The show premieres on February 5th, 2026.
Anguka, one of the most prominent filmmakers from the Kenyan coastal region known for Swahili telenovelas such as Pete, Sanura and Mkasi as well as Mvera, Kenya’s official submission to the 2024 Academy Awards, helms the show under his AR Film Productions.
Mizani follows a journalist, Suleiman (Michael Saruni, The Chocolate Empirehowmax), 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.
Speaking on the show, Anguka said: “When we created Mizani, the goal was telling 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.”
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.
