As the saying goes, age is just a number, and this is particularly true for some of Kenya’s most talented actors who are still captivating audiences well into their 70s.
These actors have honed their craft over decades, mastering the art of bringing characters to life and captivating viewers with their performances.
In this article, WoK takes a closer look at some of Kenya’s top actors who are in their 70s, exploring their careers and achievements.
Raymond Ofula
Raymond Ofula is a legendary actor who has been in the film industry for over 40 years, and he has featured in both local and international films.
In the course of his career, he has appeared in among other films The White Masai and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
Ofula has also appeared on To The Walk with Lions, Lota Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, Winterreise and Queen Sono on Netflix.
He is also a talent judge and he has worked with seasoned actors like Naomi Ng’ang’a in an reality show by StarTimes.
Elizabeth Wanjiru
Elizabeth Wanjiru is known for her role on popular Citizen TV drama series, Mother-In-Law, where she plays Charity.
She is a retired teacher and a mother of three; two daughters and a son although she separated from her husband in the 1980s.
In 2020, the celebrated actress painfully recalled how she tragically lost 10 siblings, in a period of 10 years.
Wanjiru disclosed that they were born 12 by their parents who have since passed on, but only two of them are alive.
Peter Muriithi Maina
Peter Muriithi Maina plays Mwamba on Citizen TV drama series, Mother-In-Law that airs on Sundays evening.
The old man started his acting career in the 1980’s, and the numerous characters that he has played over time have seen him earn countless nominations.
His role as Mwamba in the Mother-In-Law series has earned him 2 nominations for the Best Actor Award at the Kalasha Awards.
Maina is also a voiceover artiste.
Joseph Omari
Joseph Omari played Mr Tembo on Tahidi High, a drama series on Citizen TV.
He has also appeared on Country Queen, Taliya, The System, Supa Modo, Wavamizi, Backlash and Ras Star.
In 2022, Omari explained how, unlike some other actors, he has never shown any sign of financial instability.
He said that he avoided extravagance during his heydays, adding that he invested most of what he earned in his family and children, who are now taking care of him.
Lenny Juma
Lenny Juma started as a casting director and had his first screen role in the movie Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life.
He acted alongside Angelina Jolie and Raymond Ofula.
Juma was also part of the production team that produced the movie The Air Up There and The Constant Gardner.
In Indiana Jones Chronicles, Juma plays the witchdoctor, while in the movie Banged Up Abroad he played Colonel Bao.
Joseph Gachanja
Joseph Gachanja is famously known for his role, Mzee Kobe, on Machachari.
He has also played roles in among other films Tithes & Offerings, Sense8, State House and Burnt Forest where he played Musa.
Oliver Litondo
Oliver Litondo is an actor, news anchor and journalist known for portraying Kimani Maruge in the 2010 biographical film The First Grader.
He has also appeared on The Wilby Conspiracy, The Bushtrackers, Sheena, The Lion of Africa, Ivory Hunters and The Rugged Priest.
Litondo is a graduate of the University of Iowa, Stockholm University and Harvard University, and a recipient of the Kalasha Lifetime Achievement award.
