Popular Mugithi singer Raj Banema has come out strongly to address speculation surrounding his relationship with his wife, Josephine Wairimu, who recently passed away.

Following her tragic passing, Banema took to social media to mourn her loss, drawing support from fans and fellow artistes.

However, the singer soon found himself at the centre of online drama after a woman stirred controversy with unexpected allegations.

Shortly after Banema’s announcement, a woman identified as Abigail Nyaga took to TikTok, claiming to be Josephine's sister.

In a series of videos, Abigail alleged that Banema and Josephine were never officially married.

She further accused the singer of having ulterior motives regarding funds raised by Kenyans to support the family and burial arrangements.

According to Abigail, since there was no legal marriage between them, Josephine would not be buried at Banema’s home.

In an exclusive interview with, Banema strongly refuted the claims, asserting that he and Josephine were indeed husband and wife, and even shared a son.

“It’s true Josephine is gone, my wife and the mother of baby Keith Mario Banema Jr,” he said.

The singer explained that after doing his due diligence, he discovered that Abigail was not who she claimed to be.

“Josephine’s family confirmed that one Abigael Nyaga isn’t Josephine’s sister. I guess she’s just paid to mess my brand,” Banema said.

To further clarify the situation, Banema shared exclusive audio of a recorded phone call with a woman identified as Wairimu, who claimed she was Josephine’s cousin.

In the call, Wairimu expressed the family’s shock over Abigail’s statements.

“We’ve been seeing a post trending. 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. The person posting, we don’t even know them,” Wairimu stated.

She added that after investigating the matter, the family established that Abigail was Josephine’s sister-in-law but completely disassociated themselves from her claims.

The musician added that he had been working closely with Josephine’s immediate family and that there was no animosity between them.

“We are working so closely with the mother and my brother-in-law, who is the family spokesman,” he shared.

Banema also dismissed claims that he was mismanaging the funds contributed by well-wishers.

“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,” he clarified.

On the issue of where Josephine will be laid to rest, Banema explained that after consulting with her family, they collectively agreed she would be buried at her parents’ home in line 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.

Despite the noise online, Banema reiterated his focus on giving his late wife a dignified send-off.

Following the passing of his partner, an old video of Banema speaking about his kids, began circulating online.

During an interview on Gukena FM, the Mugithi star shared that he is a father of two.

What moved many viewers was his emotional revelation that he had previously lost a daughter.

Source: TUKO.co.ke