Dennis Humphrey on Fame, Mizani, and Telling Kenya’s Untold Stories
By Peace Muthoka
Many netizens remember Dennis Humphrey for his breakthrough role as Kaka in Rashid Abdalla’s Sultana. The character propelled the young filmmaker into the spotlight, and to this day, many fans still call him Kaka.
Now, he returns to the small screen 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.
Off-screen, however, the Mombasa-born actor is nothing like the characters that made him famous. Despite his dashing looks and towering presence, the Kalasha-winning filmmaker is an introvert, a scriptwriter, and a storyteller deeply obsessed with truth.
In this exclusive interview, Dennis opens up about fame, his love for African stories, and his return to television.
You are an award-winning filmmaker, and you won two Kalasha Awards in 2021. Tell us about this.
Winning two Kalasha Awards in 2021 felt surreal. I was still in my mid-20s and 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 most was the feedback. It was genuine. People saw the work, understood it, and accepted it. My mother felt proud. The people who backed me felt validated. We worked hard on that project, and when God places His hand on something, it shows. That day was unbelievable, but more than anything, it felt 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 recognize me from the screen, but writing is where everything began. I have been writing 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 professionally, and my first major break came with Sultana. The character connected with audiences, and that is when I realized I could truly 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 projects hasn’t been easy, but I am learning how to make it work.
What inspires you about Daudi, from one filmmaker to another?
Watching him grow while lifting the Mombasa flag higher means everything. He shows young people that success is possible. He doesn’t just succeed and disappear; instead, he reaches back, holds hands, and shows others the steps. When someone from your background makes it, you start believing 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 of 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 relax. Film teaches me, entertains me, and helps me grow at the same time.
Right now, I’m 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. We need human stories—stories people can relate to. Powerful narratives exist within our communities, yet many remain untold. Some topics I’m currently working on have only appeared in documentaries, not films. Even historical stories like Kaya Bombo or Nabongo remain largely unexplored on screen. We don’t always need to invent new worlds. Sometimes, we just need to look around us.
Who was the funniest person on set?
Reinhard Inzai Bonke. He has subtle humor—you might not see the joke coming. He doesn’t joke loudly, but from the time I’ve spent with him, it has always been full of laughter. He’s naturally funny.
Who was the loudest person on set?
Michael Saruni. Loud in a good way. He’s very sociable, talks a lot, and connects easily with everyone. There’s never a 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 Dennis in Mizani, with new episodes every Wednesday on Showmax and Saturdays on Maisha Magic Plus.
