Popular Mugithi singer Raj Banema has spoken out firmly after finding himself at the center of a storm following the death of his wife, Josephine Wairimu. The grieving artist, who had shared his heartbreak with fans online, was soon forced to confront unexpected claims that questioned the legitimacy of his marriage.
The drama began when a woman identified as Abigail Nyaga took to TikTok alleging that she was Josephine’s sister. In her videos, Abigail claimed that Banema was never officially married to Josephine and further accused him of planning to misuse funds contributed by well-wishers to support funeral arrangements. She insisted that since there was no legal marriage, Josephine should not be buried at Banema’s home.
In response, Banema addressed the allegations during an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, confirming that he and Josephine had a legitimate relationship and even shared a son together. “It’s true Josephine is gone, my wife and the mother of baby Keith Mario Banema Jr,” he said. He went on to clarify that after investigating the woman’s claims, he found out that Abigail was not Josephine’s sister as she had stated.
“Josephine’s family confirmed that one Abigael Nyaga isn’t Josephine’s sister. I guess she’s just paid to mess my brand,” Banema remarked, visibly shaken by the turn of events.
To further support his statement, the singer shared an exclusive audio recording of a phone call with a woman named Wairimu, who identified herself as Josephine’s cousin. In the audio, Wairimu expressed regret over the circulating misinformation. “We’ve been seeing a post trending as the family. We are very sorry as a family, and that does not come from the family. We, as the immediate family, do not know any such thing,” she said. Wairimu added that Abigail was only distantly related and did not speak for the family.
Banema also took time to assure fans and the public that he was working hand-in-hand with Josephine’s immediate family and that their relationship remained strong. “We are working so closely with the mother and my brother-in-law, who is the family spokesman,” he said.
He also refuted claims that he had misused any of the donations made to support funeral expenses. “All the contributions given by Chege’s family, where I come from, friends, and fans, will be presented to the family tomorrow at their home in Nyahururu,” Banema clarified.
As for the burial arrangements, Banema explained that after discussions with Josephine’s family, they decided she would be laid to rest at her parents’ home, in accordance with cultural customs. “We had a long talk with the family concerning where Josephine will be buried, but according to the customs, we agreed to take her to her home,” he said.
Amid the online noise and accusations, Banema has maintained his focus on honoring his late wife with a dignified farewell, steering clear of further controversy. In a resurfaced interview on Gukena FM, Banema also shared that he is a father of two and previously experienced the pain of losing a daughter—adding to the emotional weight of his current loss.
Despite the controversy, Banema’s handling of the situation has drawn support from fans who have praised his honesty, calm, and commitment to protecting the memory of his late wife.
