Kina S1-3

The Mwakazis and the Tandalas have nothing in common – one has a quiet, humble life with not much to hold on to but family while the other owns a successful water company that profits from backdoor dealings with the government and under-compensating its workers.

A product of Maisha Magic East, the new drama series Kina jumps right into the action pitting these two worlds against each other. Family man Daudi Mwakazi (Arabron Nyyneque, Kona) is found dead by the river – having been hit on the head then drowned by Nana Tandala (played by Sanaipei Tande), soon after he discovers a secret water source that could benefit the poor community of Misri.

But getting away with murder is not easy especially when the quest for justice is led by an unrelenting daughter who is not afraid of taking down a powerful water magnate. Young as she may be, Bella Mwakazi (Alyce Wangari, Lusala) becomes a thorn in Nana’s flesh as soon as she discovers foul play in her father’s death. 

That’s how Kina starts out, and it’s a relief that we haven’t witnessed Nana Tandala (Sanaipei Tande, Aziza) drop more bodies in recent seasons. But despite Nana’s temporary ‘change of heart,’ the drama is far from over as she deals with a new threat to her empire – the elusive and dangerous criminal Rhino who sets his eyes on her gold.

Meanwhile, despite how in-love they might be, Bella and Jabali’s marriage starts off rocky with an ill-tempered grandmother and a near-death experience. But it seems that their love is strong enough to weather the storm, and they best enjoy every minute of it because rockier days lie ahead especially when they learn the truth about Bella’s parentage.

For this role, Alyce Wangari was nominated for Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama at the Kalasha Awards 2020, alongside Trisha Khalid (Kovu), Riziki Ambrose (Pieces of Us) and Maria’s Yassmin Said. Directed by award-winners Likarion Wainaina (Supa Modo, Bait) and Victor Gatonye (40 Sticks, Dream Child), Kina also stars Jimmi Gathu (Rafiki, State House) as Nana’s husband Fred Tandala, Cindy Kahuha (Ensulo), Maina wa Ndungu (Nganya), Lydia Gitachu (Kidnapped), Carol Midimo (Promises, Coerced Revenge), Ainea Ojiambo (40 Sticks, The First Grader) and Moses Kiema.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Likarion Wainaina (Supa Modo) and Victor Gatonye (Dream Child), Kina also stars Jimmy Gathu (State House) who plays Nana’s husband Fred Tandala – the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Bruce Makau (Ma-Empress) as Nana’s nephew and right-hand man, Bryan Kabugi (Dream Child) as the opportunistic Leo, Lydia Gitachu (Kidnapped), Carol Midimo (Lusala) and Cindy Kahuha (Country Queen).

Catch Kina on Showmax, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8:00pm EAT, with episodes coming express from Maisha Magic Plus.