How Abel Mutua, ‘Mkurugenzi,’ Rose From Dreamer to Screen Star

Abel Mutua is a Kenyan actor, scriptwriter, content creator, and co-founder of Phil-It Productions Whith  a distinguished career in film and television

He has built a successful career in Kenya’s film and television industry through passion, persistence, and continuous learning.

Abel was born in 1986 and grew up in Umoja 1, Nairobi.

The Dreamer’s Career beginning.

At around four years old, his father bought an old boxy 21-inch television that only accessed KBC channel.

After school, young Abel would spend hours watching programs from the station’s opening until it signed off.

Then, in 1992, their neighbor, Mr. Ochieng, left several electronic appliances with Abel’s family, including a 14-inch color Sony television.

Unlike their previous TV, it could access KTN as well.

From that moment, Abel knew he wanted to work in television.

Consequently, he developed a strong interest in the industry.

He frequently told his mother that he wanted to be part of the programs he watched.

In collaboration with his head teacher, she helped make his dream possible.

In May 1994, Abel’s class in Primary School visited KBC to perform a poem.

However, he was less interested in the performance than in satisfying his curiosity.

Instead, he wandered around the station, eager to observe how television programs were produced.

It was also the first time he saw a professional television camera.

By 1996, Abel had the opportunity to explore more advanced electronic equipment.

As a result, his admiration for television production grew even stronger.

During this period, he also discovered that actors and television personalities earned good incomes.

Therefore, he hoped that one day his passion could help improve his family’s humble living conditions.

Nevertheless, he did not initially view acting as a realistic career because society strongly encouraged professions such as medicine, aviation, and engineering.

Also Read: How Njugush Turned Talent Into a Thriving Entertainment Brand

Consequently, he treated acting as a hobby while pursuing his education with the intention of becoming a pilot.

Later, Abel met one of his greatest inspirations, Ishmael Mohammed, who introduced him to the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC).

Ishmael worked at KBC, presented the program Yaliyotokea, and also served as the head of the Presidential Press Service.

After meeting him, Abel returned home and shared the experience with his mother.

From that point onward, he became determined to join KIMC and pursue a career in media.

Meanwhile, in 1999, three students from Kenyatta University—Walter Mong’are, Tony Njuguna, and K.J. John Kiarie—hosted the popular comedy show Ridiculous on NTV.

Abel was a devoted fan.

Abel Mutua with his wife and daughter. PHOTO/ Courtesy.

The beginning of his career exposure

However, many of his friends in Kibera had never watched the program because few households owned televisions.

As a result, Abel teamed up with the only friend who had seen the show.

Together, they imitated the actors and recreated the performances for others in the school.

Every Friday, they entertained students at school, and they became well known throughout Kibera.

Soon afterward, Mrs. Raboot noticed Abel’s talent.

She gave him a verse to memorize and perform within a week.

He successfully delivered the performance.

Although the opportunity did not immediately lead to anything significant, he learned valuable performance skills by observing other talented students.

In 2001, Abel joined Makueni Boys’ School.

Coincidentally, the school’s drama club was introduced that same year.

He also developed an interest in music during his time there, alongside his drama interest.

His teacher helped him write verses for performances, and Abel became actively involved in drama productions.

Each year, the productions became more advanced.

Also Read: Judy Nyawira: The Woman Behind Abel Mutua and a Digital Empire of Her Own

By the time he reached Form Four, the drama club had qualified for the national drama festivals.

After high school, Abel joined the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication.

Abel’s National Career Growth

There, he met Dennis Kitumbi, Ms. Morgan of Tahidi High, Dennis Onsarigo, Mwikali, and several other talented creatives.

They were all members of the Powerhouse Club.

More importantly, he met Philip Karanja, who had also developed a passion for filmmaking from childhood.

Through these interactions, Abel officially learned television and film production.

They spent long hours rehearsing, something he thoroughly enjoyed because it aligned with his passion.

Additionally, Abel highly praised Dennis Mugo, popularly known as OJ from Tahidi High, for his outstanding performances in major roles.

Inspired by such talent, Abel worked even harder.

Eventually, he was recognized as the institution’s Best Actor of the Year.

Around 2006, Tahidi High was launched, and Abel was cast as Freddie.

His performance made him a household name.

Later, in 2009, he expanded his role by writing scripts for both Tahidi High and Mother-in-Law, as he later revealed during a CTA Podcast on YouTube.

Currently, Abel is a co-founder at Phil-It Productions alongside his longtime friend and fellow Tahidi High actor, Philip Karanja.

Together, they established one of Kenya’s leading film production companies.

Abel also acted in productions such as The Real Househelps of Kawangware, Hapa Kule News, and Anda Kava. However, he gradually transitioned from acting to directing and producing films.

Today, Abel Mutua is widely recognized as a successful filmmaker, director, producer, and storyteller.

He is the creative force behind productions such as Wakurugenzi and the Kenyan film The Grand Little Lie.

Ultimately, he fulfilled his childhood dream by using the fame he gained as an actor to build and own a successful production company.

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Script writer Abel Mutua with his wife Judy Nyawira and daughter. PHOTO/ Courtesy.