Kindiki calls for major artists’ welfare foundation at Betty Bayo’s funeral
By Mustafa Juma, November 20, 2025Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged artists and musicians from Central Kenya to unite and establish a major welfare foundation to support creatives and their families, citing the recurrent struggles faced by entertainers during illness, old age, and after death.
Kindiki made the remarks on Thursday, November 20, 2025, during the funeral service of the late gospel singer Betty Bayo at Ndumberi Stadium in Kiambu County.
The emotional ceremony drew hundreds of mourners from the music fraternity, political circles, and the local community.
Unity of artists
In his address, the DP made a passionate call for unity and long-term planning within the creative economy.
“Mimi nawasihi marafiki wengi wa artistes na musicians wale wako katika creative economy, hapa kwetu Central region, tuko na wengi very talented and very powerful. Please come together and let us establish a big foundation or trust to provide resources and take care of the children of the artistes and their families so that we don’t have the artistes dying in poverty,” Kindiki said.
He noted that despite their immense contribution to Kenya’s cultural identity, many artists continue to live and die in financial hardship due to the absence of organised welfare structures.
Kindiki added that as a son of the region, he hopes to see leadership emerge from within the creative community to make the proposed fund a reality.
“Na mimi kama mmoja wenu area hii, I hope there is some leadership that we will get from the artistes and musicians, ili tusaidiane,” he said.
Kindiki’s best Betty Bayo song
Kindiki joined the family and friends of the late renowned gospel singer Beatrice Mbugua, popularly known as Betty Bayo, to pay their respects at her funeral service held at Ndumberi Stadium in Kiambu County.
Speaking during the service on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Kindiki said he did not have the privilege of meeting with the late singer, but he loved her hit song dubbed 11th Hour.
“Mimi sikupata fursa ya kukutana na yeye lakini nilikuwa najua nyimbo yake moja ile ya 11th hour; hiyo wimbo mungu alitumia ulimi wa dada yetu iligusa mioyo ya wakenya wengi,” Kindiki said.
He further pledged financial support towards Betty’s children.
“Familia na kanisa wamesema kuwe na trust account ya wale wote wanaotaka kusaidia watoto wa dada yetu wapate elimu wasije kuaibika ilihali mama yao mzazi alikuwa baraka kwa watu wengi na pia kanisa, na kwa ajili ya hiyo mimi nitaungana na wale watasaidiana na watoto,” he added.