County 49 breaks streaming record for most first-day views on Showmax in Kenya

Featured Image Courtesy | Showmax

By Ooro George Follow @OoroGeorge

County 49, the new Kenyan Showmax Original, has broken the record for the most-first-day views on Showmax in Kenya.

The political thriller series was the most-watched premiere ever for any title on Showmax in Kenya when it debuted on 25 August, claiming the spot previously held by The Real Housewives of Lagos.

Set in the fictional Bwatele County, County 49 follows Nerimah Mkung, whose role as the new governor is put to test when she's taken hostage by a mysterious group who've had enough of the county government corruption and are now demanding what's rightfully theirs -- their money, in billions and in cash. Whether she lives or dies lies in the hands of the very capable, disgraced officer Malik Maka, whose estranged wife has been kidnapped, alongside the governor.

Featured Image Courtesy | Showmax

Wakio Mzenge plays the tough-talking Bwatele's first female governor Nerimah Mkung, a character she says was inspired by strong Kenyan female leaders like Martha Karua, Charity Ngilu and Mekatilili wa Menza.

Featured Image Courtesy | Showmax

The 13-episode series also stars Martin Githinji, in his first major role since Sue na Jonnie in 2018; Nick Kwach in his debut television role; Maqbul Mohammed as deputy governor Chris Komu; Emmanuel Mugo as the deposed governor's son Juniro; Ben Teke as Bwatele's clueless Minister of Security; Sam Psenien as the Minsiter of Finance; and singer Angela Mwandanda (Tattu) as Okusimba's wife Agnes.

County 49 is directed by Likarion Wainaina, known for Kenya's first superhero film Supa Modo, which is also Kenya's most decorated film with over 50 global accolades including Best European Film for Children from the European Children's Film Association and Children's Jury Special Mention in the Generation 14Plus category at the Berlin Film Festival 2018.