Abel Mutua
 | |
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Abel Mutua |
| Born | 28 August 1986 (age 39) Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Other names | Mkurugenzi |
| Alma mater | Kenya Institute of Mass Communication |
| Occupations | Actor Scriptwriter Film producer Content creator |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Known for | Tahidi High Click Click Bang The Real Househelps of Kawangware Young and Stupid |
| Spouse(s) | Judy Nyawira (m. 2015) |
| Children | 1 (Stephanie Mumbua) |
| Website | YouTube Channel |
Abel Mutua (born 28 August 1986) is a Kenyan actor, writer, film producer, and content creator. He is best known for his role as Freddie in the high school drama series Tahidi High, and for his storytelling and film work under Phil-It Productions. He is popularly referred to as "Mkurugenzi" (Swahili for 'Director') on social media and YouTube, where he is one of Kenya's top digital storytellers.
Early Life and Education
Abel Mutua was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. He was brought up in a large blended family with six siblings, raised primarily by his mother and stepfather. He attended Makueni Boys High School and later enrolled at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC), where he studied Film and TV Production, focusing specifically on camera techniques. He graduated in 2005.
Career
Television
Mutua began his career in the Kenyan entertainment industry in the mid-2000s. He got his breakthrough role as "Freddie" in the popular Citizen TV show Tahidi High in 2006, where he played the cheeky and charming high school student. His role made him a household name in Kenya. After the series, he transitioned into writing, contributing scripts for shows such as Tahidi High, Mother-in-Law, and later the successful shows The Real Househelps of Kawangware and Hapa Kule News.
Phil-It Productions
In 2015, Abel co-founded Phil-It Productions with long-time friend and director Philip Karanja. The company focuses on storytelling through film and TV. Phil-It is responsible for productions such as Sue na Jonnie, A Grand Little Lie, and the action movie Click Click Bang. The duo emphasizes authentic Kenyan narratives with relatable characters.
Click Click Bang (2022)
One of Abel’s biggest successes to date is the 2022 action-comedy film Click Click Bang. The movie premiered in Nairobi and made over KSh2.5 million on its first day. It was based on a true story previously told on Abel's YouTube channel. The film later became available on Netflix, marking a milestone for Kenyan independent cinema.
YouTube and Digital Influence
Abel Mutua runs a YouTube channel where he tells real-life stories in a captivating style. His most popular segments include Young and Stupid, Headline Hitters, and Stories by Mkurugenzi. As of 2024, he had over 700,000 subscribers and millions of views. He is considered one of the most influential digital creators in Kenya. His storytelling often blends humor, life lessons, and suspense.
Personal Life
Abel is married to Judy Nyawira, a film producer and former Citizen TV employee. The couple got married in 2015 after dating for several years. Together, they have one daughter, Stephanie Mumbua. Abel occasionally shares personal anecdotes about his family and upbringing on his channel, often using his life as material for his stories.
Collaborations and Mentorship
Abel Mutua has played a key role in the careers of other Kenyan creatives, including comedian Njugush (Timothy Kimani). He cast Njugush in The Real Househelps of Kawangware, helping launch his career. Mutua often advocates for mentorship and content collaboration within the creative industry.
Social Media Presence
Abel Mutua has a strong social media presence, especially on Instagram, where he shares updates, behind-the-scenes content, and interacts with fans. As of 2024, he had more than 750,000 followers. His persona as “Mkurugenzi” has become a widely recognized brand in Kenya.
Awards and Recognition
- YouTube Silver Play Button (2020)
- Pulse Influencer Awards – YouTube Influencer of the Year (2023)
- Featured on several media platforms as a top digital influencer in Kenya
- Phil-It Productions has received multiple nominations at Kalasha Film and TV Awards
Filmography
Television
- Tahidi High – Actor, Scriptwriter
- Mother-in-Law – Writer
- The Real Househelps of Kawangware – Writer
- Hapa Kule News – Writer
- Sue na Jonnie – Writer/Producer
Films
- A Grand Little Lie (2021) – Writer/Producer
- Click Click Bang (2022) – Co-writer/Producer
- The Grand Hustle (2024) – Upcoming
Legacy and Impact
Abel Mutua is seen as one of Kenya’s pioneering digital storytellers. He transformed traditional media success into a robust digital brand, appealing to both younger and older audiences. Through Phil-It Productions and his storytelling, he’s helping shape a new model for African content creation: authentic, local, and globally marketable.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Mutua has spoken on numerous panels about digital entrepreneurship, media development, and the challenges of the creative industry in Kenya. He advocates for government and private sector support for local filmmakers and often emphasizes the importance of quality storytelling as a national asset.
Future Projects
Abel continues to create new series and movies under Phil-It. In 2024, he announced plans to launch an academy or workshop platform for training aspiring content creators in screenwriting, editing, and production. He also hinted at expanding his digital storytelling into podcasting and books.
References
- Kenyans.co.ke – Abel Mutua profile
- Nairobi News – Interview (2022)
- YouTube Channel – Abel Mutua Official
- Tuko.co.ke – Personal life stories
- Pulse Live Kenya – Influencer Awards
- Citizen Digital – “How Click Click Bang made KSh2.5M”
- Music in Africa – Media impact reports
- Africa Insight – Creative spotlight 2023