Brian Abajah

EARLY LIFE

Brian Ochieng Abajah was raised by his grandmother in Western Kenya. He discovered his passion for performance at a young age through participation in school plays and choir. He speaks English, Swahili, and Luo.

CAREER

Abajah began his screen career with a recurring role as Felix in the Kenyan drama Next Meal (2019). He appeared in the stage production Radicals (2019), which received nominations at the Sanaa Theatre Awards for Best Tragedy and Best Costume. His short film MENstruation (2020) screened at the Broadway International Film Festival (Los Angeles) and the Women of African Descent Film Festival (New York). He was a standout contestant on Kenya’s first televised acting competition (Next Superstar), which led to a role in Sincerely Daisy (2020), the first Kenyan feature film to premiere on Netflix (he played Collins). Notable subsequent credits include: Mission to Rescue (2021) Crime & Justice (Showmax’s first Kenyan Original series) Single Kiasi (2022–2024) Mpakani: Story of the North (2022/2024) Married to Work (2022/2023) Second Family (2023) Short films including Silent Checkmate (2024), Triangle of Sadness (2024), and At First Sight (2024) Lead role as Pete Sonoko in the 2025 Showmax Original series Reckless East West Love (2026) as Juma, and a Nigerian romantic comedy feature He has also appeared in numerous television commercials for local and international brands. Abajah has spoken about leaving law studies to pursue acting full-time and is building a production house focused on original content and inclusive filmmaking.

PERSONAL LIFE

Abajah keeps much of his personal life private. Outside of acting, he is completing studies in Criminal Law, enjoys rapping, and plays rugby. He has expressed interest in establishing his own production house to create more content and support inclusive storytelling.

Brian Abajah is recognized as a rising talent in Kenyan and broader African screen industries, with credits spanning Netflix, Showmax, and theatrical work. He advocates for inclusive casting and storytelling (notably through projects involving Deaf performers). His trajectory from school performances and an acting competition to leading roles in major series reflects the growing opportunities in East African film and television.