Daudi Anguka on Mizani, organ trafficking and why the coast is finally taking centre stage in Kenya's film industry

From award-winning films to fearless, socially conscious storytelling, Daudi Anguka has carved a distinctive voice in Kenyan cinema by telling deeply rooted Coast stories that refuse to be ignored. With Mizani, his first Showmax-commissioned drama thriller shot and set in Mombasa, Anguka dives into the dark and disturbing world of organ trafficking, blending lived realities, meticulous research, and gripping drama to create a story that both entertains and provokes thought.

Mizani is now streaming on Showmax and will air on Maisha Magic Plus every Saturday, with new episodes released weekly. The series marks a major milestone for coastal storytelling, positioning Mombasa as a powerful cinematic setting and signalling a shift in Kenya’s film landscape.

A passionate advocate for community storytelling, youth mentorship, and African narratives, Anguka’s journey from local filmmaker to international recognition reflects his determination to elevate African stories beyond borders — one bold narrative at a time.

The Inspiration Behind Mizani

“When I conceived Mizani, my starting point was simple — I wanted to hear different audiences talking about their own stories, especially stories rooted in the Coast,” says Anguka.

For the filmmaker, Mizani is a deeply personal tribute to the region. “This is my love letter to the Coast. This is who we are, and this is what happens here.”

While Anguka is known for popular Swahili telenovelas such as Pete, Sanura and Mkasi, Mizani represents a tonal shift. “This time, I said, let’s go darker. Let’s go into a drama thriller. Let’s do Mizani.”

He believes storytelling must strike a balance between entertainment and awareness. “There are many realities people don’t talk about or even know exist. My role is to take those truths, shape them into compelling narratives, and keep audiences glued to the screen.”

Why Focus on Organ Trafficking?

Organ trafficking is a central theme in both Mizani and Anguka’s award-winning film Mvera. However, the filmmaker explains that each project explores a different dimension of the same crisis.

“When I made Mvera, I realised something terrifying: organ trafficking is a massive, evolving chain. One theme, many realities. One truth, many stories.”

Mizani draws from harsh realities across Kenya and Africa, where poverty forces devastating choices. “Some people are driven to sell their organs. Others don’t even know they’ve lost them.”

The title Mizani, meaning scales in Swahili, reflects the moral weight at the heart of the story. “It represents the scale of life — do you save yourself, or do you destroy yourself? That balance is what defines the show.”

Casting from the Coast: Michael Saruni as Suleiman

The series features a predominantly coastal cast, led by Michael Saruni as Suleiman, a struggling investigative journalist whose daughter becomes entangled in a dangerous trafficking ring.

“I knew I wanted a hustling journalist from print media — a man chasing headlines while fighting to survive,” says Anguka. “But I also needed someone who truly belongs to the Coast.”

Saruni, a Mombasa native with experience in Nairobi’s competitive media scene, embodied that balance. “This is the first Showmax project commissioned in Mombasa. The audience needed to see themselves in him.”

Together with the character of Amira, Suleiman becomes the emotional anchor of the story, drawing viewers into the chilling reality of organ trafficking.

Who Inspired Daudi Anguka?

Anguka credits filmmaker Clifford Okumu as a defining influence. “Watching his work made me believe I could do this too.”

Another pivotal moment came after watching Nairobi Half Life. “I told myself, if Nairobi can produce this, then Daudi Anguka will produce Mvera. And we did — and it won awards.”

That success reshaped his ambitions. “That’s when I realised I wasn’t just a local producer. I could compete internationally.”

Why Mizani Matters

With Mizani, Daudi Anguka not only delivers a gripping crime thriller but also reclaims the Coast as a vital storytelling hub. By centring local voices, confronting urgent social issues, and raising production standards, the series positions coastal Kenya at the forefront of African television.

Watch Mizani NOW with new episodes every Wednesday