Gospel singer Betty Bayo dies

The gospel music industry has been plunged into mourning following the death of celebrated Kikuyu gospel singer Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, famously known as Betty Bayo.

Speaking at the Kenyatta National Hospital’s private wing on Monday, November 10, 2025, a family representative, who spoke on behalf of Betty’s husband, Hiram Gitau, said that she passed away at 1:03 pm, ending days of speculation about her health.

The representative said Betty had been unwell since last week, suffering from acute leukaemia and excessive bleeding.

She revealed that she was initially admitted to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital on Friday, November 7, 2025.

“We are here at Kenyatta National Hospital’s private wing. The spouse, the father of their children, and friends of Betty Bayo want to inform the public that today at 1:03 pm, we have lost Betty, and it is no longer a rumour. Betty had been unwell since last week, suffering from acute leukaemia and excessive bleeding. She was first taken to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road before being transferred here on Friday,” she said.

The family representative further explained that arrangements are underway to move her body to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, and all further communications regarding the funeral and memorials will be shared in due course.

“The doctors did their best, but the will of God has been fulfilled. We are planning to move her body to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, and all communications will follow,” the representative added.

Present at the announcement were Betty’s immediate husband, Hiram Gitau, her ex-husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari, and other family members and close friends.

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.

Bishop Kiengei noted that Betty Bayo leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Kenya’s gospel music industry, as well as a network of friendships and mentorship.

The bishop further reflected on Betty’s courage and faith in facing illness, saying she remained committed to God’s service and the gospel until her final days.

He described her death as a significant loss to the music community, emphasising that her songs and influence will continue to inspire generations of gospel artists.

“She leaves behind a legacy of great contribution to the gospel music industry, friendship, and a soul that maximised its full potential. My condolences go to her mother, husband, siblings, friends, the music industry, and her beautiful children. Rest in peace, Betty Bayo; cancer will also die one day,” Kiengei wrote.

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