Gideon Moi Surprises His Father's Musician Languishing in Poverty

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi visits Mzee Maulid Juma at his home in Kisauni Mombasa on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
Baringo Senator Gideon Moi visits Mzee Maulid Juma at his home in Kisauni Mombasa on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
The Standard

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, on Tuesday, November 30, surprised an ailing musician who entertained his father, and Kenya's second President, the Late Daniel Moi, in the '90s.

With his entourage, the politician visited Coastal Taarab musician Maulid Juma who rocked in the 1970s but is now languishing in poverty in Kisauni Mombasa.

Speaking to the press, Moi noted that it was heartbreaking that the hitmakers of yore were suffering, some with minimal help.

"We have arrived here to meet Mzee Maulid Juma who was an artist from the past. He used to entertain (my father) and entertain Kenyans," stated Moi outside Mzee Maulid's home.

One of the albumns produced by former musician Maulid Juma
One of the albumns produced by former musician Maulid Juma.
File

The senator further called on the Ministry of Sports to ensure that the artists are well taken care of in the old age for a crucial role they played in uniting the country.

He confirmed that he would carry on with the visits aimed at uplifting former musicians.

“Maulid Juma is among old musicians who entertained us for many years, and we recognise their contribution. They should not feel like we have forgotten them.

“I thank CS Amina for rolling out a programme to support our artistes across the country. It is a sign of recognising their contribution,” he noted.

Mzee Maulid, who was famous in the 1970s, is known for composing songs for President Uhuru Kenyatta, his late father Jomo Kenyatta, former presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki, as well as Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. 

In the span of his career, the singer composed more than 45 songs and performed at weddings.

His songs gravitated around love, politics and also issued warnings to Coast residents and the Country at Large.

In January 2020, after suffering for long, Maulid noted that he was ready to be buried alive after disclosing that he was living in a deplorable state where he could not even afford basic needs, let alone treatment. 

He also narrated that his health was deteriorating, in severe pain, could barely walk and his body was aching.

"I was a fisherman, I never attended any school neither did I step into any classroom but I also took pieces of advice and my songs were full of pieces of advice.

"I sang for Kibaki as well as for Uhuru and Sonko called me to Nairobi to sing for him and I worked for Moi for a long time," stated the singer at the time.

A file image of former musician Maulid Juma.
A file image of former musician Maulid Juma.
File