Kenyan Theatre Gains Momentum as Wakuraya Headlines New Production

Former news anchor Ken Wakuraya is set to return to the theatre stage after 12 years, taking a lead role in the upcoming Gikuyu musical production Waiyaki Wa Hinga, a move that is already generating strong public attention ahead of its opening shows.

The production, directed by Lawrence Murage, will run on 8th, 9th and 10th, and has quickly gained traction partly due to Wakuraya’s established media profile and loyal audience from his years in broadcast journalism.

Entertainment observers say his involvement demonstrates how celebrity influence continues to play a major role in reviving interest in local theatre, especially in productions that blend culture, history and live performance.

Wakuraya, a former news anchor, is now transitioning into stage acting in what is being described as a strategic and artistic shift, bringing mainstream visibility to a genre that often struggles for consistent national attention.

The play features a strong cast including Dival Gathoni, Njeri wa Kamau, Shish Madivani, Mzee Lawrence, FlowFlaani, Pablo Kimani, Wairimu wa Mwangi, Andrew Ng’ang’a, Matere James, Nyce Njeri and Thuita Mwangi.

At the centre of the production is the story of Waiyaki Wa Hinga, delivered through a mix of drama, music and cultural narration aimed at appealing to both traditional theatre audiences and new viewers.

With tickets for the 8th, 9th and 10th performances attracting strong early demand, industry players say the production is benefiting from the “Wakuraya effect,” where familiar public figures help amplify visibility for creative projects.

The trend, according to analysts, reflects a growing pattern in Kenya’s entertainment industry where theatre is increasingly leveraging personalities from television and media to reconnect with wider audiences and strengthen audience turnout.