Lazizi
Lazizi is a 2025 Kenyan television drama series series that debuted on Maisha Magic Plus channel on DStv on 6 October 2025. The show stars Mwaniki Mageria, Jackie Nyaminde and Helen Keli as the leads. The show is created, directed and produced by Reuben Odanga, the creator of hit telenovela Selina.
Premise
Mark Mbotela is a successful mogul in the sugarcane business in Western Kenya's sugar belt region, whose ambition leads him to vie for the Governor's seat not for glory, but for protection. As ghosts from his past resurface, Mark’s polished image begins to unravel. A dangerous love affair, buried secrets, and intense family rivalries all threaten to expose his darkest truths.Cast
- Mwaniki Mageria as Mark Mbotela who comes from a humble background which fuels his ambitions. He is vying for a gubernatorial position.
- Jackie Nyaminde as Amina, Mark's ex and baby mama with whom they share a son, Shaffie. She is an alcoholic struggling with depression due to abandoning Shaffie.
- Helen Keli as Bridget Mbotela, Mark's controlling wife and mother to his stepson, Richard. She feels entitled to the family fortune and is grooming Richard to take over the business.
- Isaac Okoyo as Shaffie, Mark's free-spirited son that is born out of his affair with Amina. He constantly feels like an outsider and yearns for a father's understanding; he finds himself having a complicated relationship with women and is hedonistic. He is initially unaware of his birth mother, Amina. In an interview, Isaac confirmed that he auditioned against thousand of young men to get the role.
- Zander Andika as Richard Mbotela, Mark's stepson who is the Operations Manager at the Mbotela Sugar Factory and is being groomed to take over the company after Mark.
- Evelyne Gitonga as Natasha. Richard's girlfriend. Despite being in love with him, her love is unrequited.
- Vivian Nyawira as Sophie: Amina's daughter and Shaffie's half-sister. Having grown up with an alcoholic and depressed mother, she learned at a young age to only rely on herself to get things done.
- Joel Otukho as Juma. He is a Factory Manager at Mbotela's factory. He is loyal to Mark and has a soft spot for Amina. Having worked with the family and company for many years, he is privy of information that could be used against them.
- Clare Karatu as Talia.
- Michael Odhiambo Oluoch as Joram Mcapinde.
- Samson Omondi as Ondiek.
Production
Development
Lazizi was announced in early September 2025 ahead of its premiere later in October. The show is produced by Multan Production, the creators of telenovela, Selina.Producer Reuben Odanga cited the inspiration for Lazizi grew out from his upbringing in Western Kenya. He said "I was inspired by the flora and fauna of this country, especially the beautiful landscapes of Muhoroni which I recall from my school days. I wanted to tell a story from that region, something we haven't done before. It felt right to give the people there a story that would be closer to home and very relatable."
MultiChoice Kenya hosted the show's launch part on 2 October at The Monaco with all cast and crew members attending. The event featured the premiere of Single Kiasi Season 4 which Helen Keli also stars in.