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Peter Maina, popularly known as Mzee Edmund Mwamba, became a household name for his role as the family patriarch in the Citizen TV drama Mother-in-Law.
The long-running series showcased his talent as a level-headed father navigating complex family dynamics, often stirred up by his on-screen wife, Charity Mwamba.
Early life & education
Born in Ziwani, Kariokor, Nairobi, and raised in Bahati, Peter Maina’s journey began humbly. He attended Morrison Primary School in Eastlands up to Class Seven before moving on to Dagoretti High School. It was during these formative years in the 1960s that his love for acting began to take shape.
His early acting talent shone through, and he performed in plays before audiences that included the then-area Member of Parliament, late Mwai Kibaki, who would later become Kenya’s third president.
Acting journey
Maina’s acting career officially took off in the 1980s. He was inspired by the legendary Mzee Ojwang, whose talent he admired deeply.
At one point, Maina had the privilege of being part of a group of actors who curtain-raised for Mzee Ojwang’s performances.
However, the journey to success was not linear. After high school, Maina briefly worked with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) but left the industry to focus on other jobs that provided more financial stability for his family.
It was not until 2008 that Maina got his big break, securing the role of Mzee Mwamba in 'Mother-in-Law'. The opportunity came unexpectedly during an audition where he initially accompanied someone else.
Got a role by chance
Mwamba shared how a friend approached him about auditions for a new show set to air on Citizen TV. The friend asked to borrow Sh100 to attend the tryouts. Instead of simply lending him the money, Mwamba decided to accompany him out of curiosity, closing his shop for the day.
"I thought I might as well go along with him," he recalled fondly.To his surprise, upon arriving, he was informed that he was selected as part of the cast. This unexpected opportunity marked a turning point in his life and reignited memories of his earlier acting days.
The role not only revived his acting career but also earned him two Kalasha Awards nominations for Best Actor in 2009 and 2010.
Challenges of being an actor in Kenya
Despite his success, Maina acknowledges that the acting profession in Kenya comes with its challenges. One of the most significant issues is the lack of policies governing actors’ pay and employment terms.
“Our salaries are not constant, we lack payslips, and without those, you can’t even get a bank loan,” Maina lamented during an interview. “We don’t have contracts like actors in other countries.”
He also highlighted how Kenyan audiences often fail to appreciate local productions compared to foreign content.“People will watch Nigerian movies here in Kenya, but our productions face so many challenges despite being just as good. Musicians in Kenya earn more than us actors; we only have a name, but no wealth to show for it,” he said.
Maina feels deeply about the plight of veteran actors who contributed to the industry but were forgotten in their later years. He pointed to the late Mzee Ojwang as an example of a talented actor who died in poverty despite decades of entertaining Kenyans, including presidents.
Away from the camera, Maina is an accomplished entrepreneur. He runs a business that specialises in making aluminium doors, windows, and aquariums. His venture reflects his determination to create a stable livelihood outside the unpredictable acting industry.
Family life
Maina is a devoted family man. He has been married to Alice Wachuka for many years, and together they have raised their children to adulthood. In 2022, he proudly shared that his eldest daughter was 41 years old, while his youngest was 30.
As a grandfather, he takes pride in his growing family and looks forward to the day he becomes a great-grandfather.
Through his role as Mzee Mwamba, Peter Maina has left an indelible mark on Kenya’s entertainment industry. He hopes for better days ahead for Kenyan actors, with improved policies, recognition, and respect for their craft.