From Nairobi’s gritty streets to Mombasa’s shadowy underbelly, Michael Saruni has spent over a decade sharpening his craft, quietly becoming one of Kenya’s most authentic screen performers.
Now, stepping into his first-ever lead role on Daudi Anguka’s Mizani, Saruni bares it all—
playing a struggling single dad, chasing purpose, and why telling African stories is personal.
The last time we saw you was in The Chocolate Empire. Tell us about it.
That was my first Showmax Original, and honestly, just being on that platform was an honour. Knowing that people across Africa—and beyond—could see my work? That was huge for me.
Now I am coming back and playing the lead role. I’m just humbled. Opportunities like this don’t come easy.
How was it working with Daudi on this project?
Working with Daudi was an easy decision. First, he’s a young guy, and I have followed his journey closely. I believe in supporting each other at this stage in life. I knew I could bring something meaningful to his story.
Secondly, he’s the biggest producer in the Coast region, and I had always wanted to do a Coast-based show. Funny enough, there was a time I even asked for his number so I could call and ask if he had any Coast gigs but I never made that call. Months later, I was shooting Mizani in Mombasa. God works in interesting ways.
Is there an investigative journalist you look up to who inspired Suleiman’s character?
Yeah, but for the few bits, you know, I love watching investigative stories kina John Allan Namu and Moha Jicho Pevu.
You’ve been in the industry for the last 15 years. You started when you were 17, then took a break. What led to that decision?
I started acting at 17. After a while, I realized I needed to figure life out. There’s life on set and then there’s real life. If you don’t balance the two, you lose one.
I went back to school. Acting wasn’t paying well at the time. I needed a way to survive beyond the camera. Because when the set ends, life doesn’t stop.
How did you unwind after shooting?
Either playing basketball or sleeping. Yeah, I love sleep. I love to sleep. Gets me into character and gets me out of character. I also love cooking for my friends and family. I even cooked samosas for guys on set.
Do you have kids?
Yes, I’m a father. I have a four-year-old son. That’s why Suleiman came naturally. I imagined what if this happened to my child. How would I react? That emotion helped me in many scenes.
What are your hopes for the entertainment industry?
The future is in actors producing their own stories.
Audiences follow people. Just like globally you’ll watch a movie because Will Smith is in it, even before you know the plot. Kenya is getting there.
Fans saw me on Chocolate Empire. Now they see me on Mizani. They’re asking, what next?
That’s show business.
To survive, we need job security and that means owning our work. Producing our own projects, starring in them, and using platforms like DStv or GOtv to reach audiences.
Does this mean we can expect you to produce content in future?
The best way to win audiences is to tell our own stories.
Suleiman is just a guy next door. A father. Someone struggling. I was raised at the Coast. I know the culture. That authenticity matters, and audiences feel it.
So, yes. Watch this space.
