Two of Kenya’s most compelling screen talents are about to shake up Maisha Magic Plus.
Pascal Tokodi and Azziad Nasenya, co-stars from the beloved drama Selina, have joined the channel’s telenovela Lazizi, arriving at precisely the moment the show’s power struggles, buried secrets, and simmering family rivalries reach a breaking point.
Produced by award-winning filmmaker Reuben Odanga, Lazizi centres on a powerful sugar factory mogul (played by Mwaniki Mageria) whose campaign for the Governor’s seat isn’t about prestige — it’s about survival. As ghosts from his past resurface, the carefully constructed image he has spent years building begins to crack.
Marcus: Strength Through Restraint
Tokodi returns to the small screen as Marcus, a mid-30s entrepreneur who commands a room without raising his voice. Grounded, emotionally intelligent, and more inclined to listen than to speak, Marcus shifts the balance of power not through force, but through clarity.
“Marcus is a man whose strength lies in restraint,” Tokodi says. “He listens before he acts. He doesn’t need to dominate to be powerful his presence does the work.”
Natasha: Confidence With a Cost
Azziad Nasenya plays Natasha, a polished, calculating woman in her late 20s who treats status as currency and love as something to be secured rather than pursued. Meticulously composed and emotionally guarded, Natasha navigates every room with intention, masking a deep-seated fear of being sidelined or forgotten.
“Natasha is bold, layered, and extremely intentional,” Azziad explains. “She knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. But beneath all that confidence lives a vulnerability, a fear of losing her place and being forgotten. Playing her has been both exciting and challenging, because she’s always walking the line between control and chaos.”
With Tokodi and Nasenya now in the mix, alliances will fracture, secrets will detonate, and no character is safe.
Lazizi also stars Helen Keli (Single Kiasi), Vivian Nyawira (Njoro wa Uba), Isaac Okoyo (Reckless), and Zander Adika, with supporting roles from Joel Otukho, Clare Karatu (Pishi Bomba), Mercy Mutinda (Zari), and Favour Akinyi (Paa).
Pascal Tokodi on Fame, Fatherhood, and His Long-Awaited Return to TV
He was the golden boy of Selina, the face that launched a thousand memes and the undisputed king of Kenyan primetime drama. Then Pascal Tokodi stepped away. Not entirely, he made brief appearances in 2024’s Untying Kantaiand the hit film Makosa Ni Yangu, but the sustained small-screen presence that earned him a Kalasha Award went quiet.
Now he’s back, and he’s brought his full self with him.
Tokodi makes his TV comeback on Lazizi, reuniting with Selina producer Reuben Odanga and co-star Azziad Nasenya. In an exclusive interview, he opens up about the years in between, his juice brand, fatherhood, and why he’s stopped trying to plan his future.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen you on the small screen. How did you end up on Lazizi?
Coming back to work with Multan Productions felt like a full-circle moment. I was last with them on Selina, where I played Nelson. That show shaped me, challenged me, and pushed me creatively.
It took a lot of convincing, but what I love about Reuben is that once he recognises your talent, he won’t let you walk away from it.
What really excited me about Lazizi was the cast. It’s a whole new generation — mostly Gen Z — and that energy is genuinely refreshing. I love learning from younger actors just as much as I love sharing my experience. For me, acting has always been about growth, discovery, and connection.
How do you prepare before stepping onto set?
Before every role, I take a day off. I disconnect completely. I ride my bike, go somewhere quiet. For Lazizi, I rode all the way to Tigoni. I read my script, reflected, and prayed. Acting is a gift, and I never take it for granted.
Tell us about Marcus.
Marcus is young, kind, respectful, and quietly strong. He doesn’t need to shout to be seen — you just feel him. That kind of character excites me because subtle strength is deeply powerful.
A lot of Marcus’s warmth comes naturally to me now, especially since becoming a father. My daughter softened me. She’s made me more empathetic, more patient, more present. That emotional growth flows directly into how I play him.
You stepped back from acting, but stayed creative. What did that season look like?
It wasn’t a retreat, it was a deliberate pivot. I focused on building businesses, including my juice brand, Noma, named after my surname. I also launched a production house, ventured into fashion, and poured time into raising my daughter.
Entrepreneurship taught me things no script ever could: resilience, patience, humility. I’ve lost money. I’ve gone over budget. I’ve made mistakes. But the lessons have been invaluable.
After being part of Kenya’s biggest TV shows, I asked myself: What next? I wanted ownership. I wanted legacy. I wanted independence.
Why a juice brand?
I remember the long shooting days on Selina. By the end of them, I needed to restore my energy, but I wanted something healthier than coffee. Jabba Juice — Noma — was born from that need. It’s a growing brand, and I’m incredibly proud of it.
You’ve received major recognition, a Kalasha, a Top 100 Most Influential listing. What has that meant to you personally?
Can I be honest? There was a time I almost threw my awards away. I thought they didn’t matter.
But I realised they’re not really for other people. They’re reminders of effort, sacrifice, and perseverance. Now I’ve created a wall of awards for my daughter to see. I want her to know that dedication creates impact.
How has fatherhood reshaped your career?
My daughter changed everything. We actually share a birthday in April, and our bond is unlike anything I’ve experienced. She is my purpose, the reason I push harder, dream bigger, and stay grounded. Everything I do now is about building a future she can be proud of.
A few quick ones — tea or coffee?
Coffee, always.
Favourite meal after a long day?
Spaghetti and meatballs.
Most-played song on Spotify right now?
This Is Why I Love You by CALLMEJB.
What’s your advice for the next generation of actors?
No role is too small. No job is beneath you. Every opportunity opens another door. Love the craft. Respect the grind. Use your talent, t’s a crime not to.
And don’t give up.
Finally, what are you looking forward to this year?
I’ve stopped trying to plan. There’s a flow now. I show up, I do the work, and I trust God to lead the rest. He knows what I want. I’ve put it out there enough times. I can’t wait to see what this year holds.
