Celebrated Mugithi artiste Paul Mwangi, popularly known as Salim Junior was Tuesday laid to rest at his father's Arash farm in Subukia, Nakuru County.

Thousands of his fans and colleagues were there to pay their last respects.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who sent a message of condolences to mourners through Subukia MP Nelson Ributhi Gaichuhie, promised to visit the family soon.

He also pledged to support Salim's dream of establishing a talent school in Nakuru County.

Those in attendance included County Governor Kinuthia Mbugua, former Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia, National Transport and Safety Authority Chairman Lee Kinyanjui, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria and the chairman of the Rift Valley Council of Elders Mr Gilbert Kabage.

LEADERS PRESENT

Others were Nakuru East MP David Gikaria, Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri, Nakuru County Woman Representative Mary Mbugua, Luanda MP Chris Omulele and Murang’a County Woman Representative Sabina Chege.

Musicians Ben Githae, Njoroge wa Kamau, John De’ Mathew, among others, also attended.

The funeral service was held at Subukia market grounds in Arash Village where mourners praised the Mugithi icon who died two weeks ago.

Artistes eulogised him as a trend setter, saying his music was unrivalled and highly valued because it went beyond entertainment to educate.

Salim Junior, famous for songs like Sarafina, Muti Uyu Mukwona remix, among others, died on January 23, 2016 aged 41 following chest complications.

He had produced many gospel and secular songs.

The musician was renowned for his re-jigging of popular Kikuyu songs and blending them in a one-man-band style.

He remixed secular and gospel songs carving a niche for himself as a Mugithi icon.

His father, Joe Salim, described him as a pillar and termed his death as a big loss to the family.