25 August 2022

•The event was hosted by actor Martin Githinji who is also part of the cast.

• County 49 follows the political intrigues of the fictional Bwatele County, Kenya’s 49th county

On August 23, 2022 all roads led to Nairobi Street Kitchen for an exclusive premiere of a new series dubbed County 49.

The invites-only occasion brought together the cast and crew of the new series plus members of the fourth estate who were out to document the happenings at the launch.

Those present at the launch were treated to an exclusive screening of the first episode of the new series. The event was hosted by actor Martin Githinji who is also part of the cast.

Others who were present at the launch include County 49 leads Wakio Mzenge, Nyokabi Macharia, Peter Kawa Nick Kwach, Benson Ojuwa, Ainea Ojiambo, director Likarion Wainaina, producer Millicent Ogutu and other cast and crew members.

The private premiere was also graced by celebrities like TikToker Azziad Nasenya, Film and Video Director Enos Olik, and Mollage.

After the screening of the episode, the cast and the director shared more about County 49 in a Q&A panel moderated by host Githinji.

When asked if it was deliberate that the show was being released in an election year, Likarion said, “I’m not a politician, and it (County 49) coming out at such a time has nothing to do with politics. This is simply a story that needed to be told because the issue the show tackles affects all of us.”

County 49 follows the political intrigues of the fictional Bwatele County, Kenya’s 49th county and the nation’s breadbasket.

Despite the country's wealth, its citizens are suffering from the high cost of living and scarce resources.

Now against the backdrop of great civilian discontent, a disgraced security officer is compelled to save the new governor and her chief of staff - his estranged wife - from a local terrorist group.

“I’m privileged to have friends across the continent. And it has always been a challenge to find a platform that is Africa first. If you want African content, Showmax is the platform for you. It has also brought African filmmakers closer, so that we can experience each other’s content easily,” producer Brian Munene said.

Director Likarion also praised the platform for the strides made in the industry and for allowing Kenyan filmmakers to push the boundaries of story-telling in Kenya.

County 49 officially premieres on Showmax on Thursday 25 August 2022, with new episodes releasing every Thursday.