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Wamatangi explains how Betty Bayo influenced his political career
16th November, 2025 04:41 PM
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has revealed the role the late gospel singer Betty Bayo played in his political career, from senator to the county’s top seat.
Speaking on Sunday, November 16, 2025, during Bayo’s memorial service, the governor said that the late musician was loyal and supported his bid.
“Tulitembea na Betty and all along akiwa very faithful young lady, tukakata safari mpaka usiku, finally nikapata kiti ya kuwa Senator,” he said.
“In my life, kwa yale mambo na mtu ambaye tulitembea nay yeye na ambayo sitasahau ni the role Betty played to ensure I get accepted and my voice ilikuwa inakubalika among her good voice in singing ya kwamba naezakubalika kuwa Senator, and we did the same in 2017 when I ran again.”
The county boss hailed the singer as a strong woman and a person who is committed to empowering society, hence she sacrificed her time to support his political career.
Among the leaders who have paid tribute to the late singer is President William Ruto, who described her as an extraordinary artist whose music inspired millions across the country.
In a heartfelt message on X on Monday, November 10, 2025, the President said Betty’s songs carried hope and faith into the hearts of many Kenyans.
Ruto said Betty’s hit song “11th Hour” was a powerful message that encouraged believers to remain steadfast even in the face of hardship.
“We mourn the passing of Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, fondly known as Betty Bayo, an extraordinary gospel artiste whose voice carried hope into the hearts of countless Kenyans. Her breakthrough hit, ‘11th Hour,’ was a powerful anthem of divine turnaround that inspired the faithful and comforted many who sought strength, healing, and reassurance in gospel music,” he said.
Betty Bayo rose to fame through her deeply spiritual songs, which resonated with listeners across Kenya. Her lyrics often spoke of endurance, hope, and faith in God’s timing, themes that became her musical identity.
Kiengei’s message
Confirming the loss, JCM head pastor Bishop Ben Kiengei, who was a close friend of the singer, paid tribute to Betty Bayo’s life and career.
Bishop Kiengei, in a Facebook post on the same day, said Betty rose to prominence with her hit song “Eleventh Hour,” which was widely celebrated for its uplifting and encouraging message.
He described her as a joyful artiste who lived a life devoted to praising God and serving her community, adding that she maximised her full potential and inspired many through her music and ministry.
“Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, famously known as Betty Bayo, rose to prominence after releasing her hit song Eleventh Hour, which was widely received for its encouraging message. She lived a life devoted to praising God and pursuing business, and remained a joyful artist until recently, when she was diagnosed with blood cancer (leukaemia) at an advanced stage,” Kiengei wrote.
