A powerful, humorous, and deeply relatable exploration of friendship and missed connection.
Staged at the Kenya National Theatre this May, Last Seen unfolds in the setting of a quiet, upcountry hotel in Kericho, where a group of former classmates reunites for the first time in years. They’re travelling together to attend a funeral. Old friendships are rekindled through small talk and awkward nostalgia, but so are buried truths, unspoken regrets, and the realization that these friends no longer truly know each other.
At the centre of the story is the friend they’ve lost—a man who had tried, more than once, to bring them back together. His messages were seen, but rarely answered. It’s a premise that feels familiar in this age where we are connected digitally, but often lack emotional connection.
Last Seen is inspired by real experiences—moments where we lose people and only then begin to ask questions we should have asked earlier. We are constantly connected digitally, yet emotionally distant. This play is a reflection on presence, responsibility, and human connection.” – Martin Abuya, Director
The play taps into themes that resonate strongly in contemporary Kenyan life: the pressures of adulthood, the fragility of friendships, and the silent battles many face with mental health, often hand in hand with the modern phenomenon of digital disassociation – the emotional numbness we can feel due to prolonged immersion in social media.
Written and directed by award-winning Martin Abuya, Last Seen leans into intimate, dialogue-driven storytelling, blending humour, tension and emotional depth. The production strips things back with a minimalist, single-set staging, allowing the performances and writing to carry the emotional weight.
The production is carried by a well-balanced ensemble that brings together seasoned stage performers and emerging talent from Kenya’s theatre circuit. Jeff Obonyo leads the cast as Brian, alongside Sammy Waweru as Felix and Kennedy Kithia as the no-nonsense MCA, The Politician. Lucarelli Onyango steps into the role of Kama, with Justin Mwanzia as Pastor Samuel, each actor drawing on a growing body of work across Nairobi’s independent theatre scene.
The women anchor much of the story’s emotional weight: Shirley Kibagendi takes on Akala, joined by Tracy Kajuju as Diana and Barbara Nyambura as Zuleka, while Edna Kariuki brings gravitas to Mama Njara. Eve Kiragu (Ivy), Margaret Wairimu (Caroline), and Faith Karimi (Grace) round out the cast, contributing layered performances that reflect the production’s focus on character and lived experience. Together, the ensemble speaks to the strength and diversity of Kenya’s current theatre landscape, where collaboration and fresh voices continue to drive the scene forward.
Abuya intends that the themes of the play will resonate with audience members beyond the theatre, sparking reflection on presence, responsibility, and human connection.
Last Seen runs on May 2nd and 3rd at the Kenya National Theatre, with shows at 3PM and 6PM.
Tickets on Igiza Arts.