Second Family, a Kenyan telenovela has premiered officially.

The first episode introduces us to Ian Mbugua’s (Single Kiasi) complicated world as Leo Lang’at, a billionaire whose secrets catch up with him after his untimely death, pitting his two families against one another in a battle for wealth, power and revenge. 

On one side is his legitimate family, the city-dwelling wealthy Gatehis, led by the matriarch Evangeline. Measured, calculating, classy but ruthless when crossed, Evangeline is played by Dora Nyaboke (Single Kiasi, Crime and Justice) in her first ever lead role. 

On the other side, tucked away in their decent Uasin Gishu home are the Lang’ats, Leo’s second family from whom the young Sinde (newcomer Vanessa Okeyo) rises to challenge Evangeline as they both fight for the control of Leo’s empire. 

Second Family also stars Brian Ogola (Disconnect 2), Helen Keli (Selina), Nick Ndeda (18 Hours), Stephanie Muchiri (Paa), Serah Wanjiru (Sincerely Daisy), Arabron Nyyneque (40 Sticks), Mumbi Maina (The Matrix Resurrections), Brian Abajah (Single Kiasi), Lewis Leshan (Crime and Justice), Ella Maina (Sincerely Daisy), Florence Nduta (Chaguo), Charles J. Ouda (Pepeta), Mary Mwikali (Market Price), and Eve Jackson (Mpakani). Written by Mkamzee Mwatela (Mali) and Anette Shadeya (Country Queen).

The telenovela is helmed by Adam Neutzsky-Wulff and Edwin Kamau, who both directed the Kalasha-nominated police procedural series Crime and Justice.

Second Family is the first Showmax Original telenovela in Kenya, and the streamer’s third Original telenovela in Africa.