‘We will all die…’ Last posts by the late atheist Mugiithi star, Kioi Junior
Gibson Kioi Wairimu, widely known by his stage name Kioi Junior, has tragically passed away.
The news of his death was announced by fellow Kikuyu musicians on Tuesday, April 30.
Kioi Jr breathed his last on Monday, April 29, while receiving treatment at the KU Referral Hospital where he had been admitted.
The controversial musician, known for his unique style in the Mugiithi genre, had sparked debate with his views on religion.
Despite his personal beliefs, some of his music had gospel themes, which he attributed to entertaining his fans.
Nairobi News has delved into his life through social media posts that reveal his outspoken nature.
In a post from December 2023, Kioi Junior unapologetically expressed his atheist beliefs amidst criticism.
“I’m not sorry for pissing you off with my atheism posts. In fact, if you’re sincere about human welfare, have you apologised for all the atrocities religion has caused? Like the molestation of young boys by Catholic priests… and you still think I’m crazy?
In another post, he highlighted what he saw as hypocrisy among his followers, particularly in their religious sentiments.
“It’s ironic how religious people, especially Christians, keep telling me how much they care about my soul and how they don’t want me to go to hell when I die. Well, I find it highly hypocritical to pretend that you care about my afterlife when in this life you hardly bother to check if I’m hungry or sick. It’s obvious you don’t care, but you keep lying about it.
While mourning the death of South African artist Zahara, Kioi sent a message to his fans, urging them not to shed tears and emphasising the inevitability of death.
“Rest in peace Zahara. Your extraordinary guitar skills will live on with our daughters. It’s nothing to cry about because soon we’ll be holding each other in the darkest of rooms… #SeeYouInTheDark”.
Born in Kambiti, Murang’a County, Kioi Junior was the younger brother of Magua Kioi and cousin of evangelist Elijah Miller.
His maternal uncle was veteran Benga artist Kamande wa Kioi. Growing up in a musical household, Kioi Jr learned to play the guitar with ease.
He began his musical journey in Kamande wa Kioi’s band.
Kioi Jr attended Kambiti Secondary School before continuing his education at a high school along Jogoo Road in Nairobi.
Despite his musical pursuits, he also trained as a civil engineer.