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Karangu Muraya, Bishop Wanderi and others who formed Betty Bayo’s burial committee
20th November, 2025 11:37 PM
The death of gospel artiste Betty Bayo on November 10, 2025, at Kenyatta National Hospital’s private wing marked the start of ten days of intense preparations by her family, friends, and the gospel fraternity.
Her passing at 1:03 pm was confirmed by a family representative speaking on behalf of her husband, Hiram Gitau, following days of public concern about her condition.
Her burial on Thursday, November 20, 2025, unfolded in several stages, beginning at Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, where the body viewing was marked by emotional scenes as relatives and fans struggled to contain their grief.
From there, the cortege travelled to Ndumberi Stadium, where thousands of mourners, including politicians, clergy, fellow musicians, and supporters from different parts of the country, filled the venue.
The emotional weight only increased during the tributes, and the organisers ensured all attendees were served food as part of the programme.
Betty’s final journey ended at her home in Mugumo Estate, where she was laid to rest in a private family ceremony that admitted only close friends and relatives. The day’s movement, the crowds, and the logistics required coordinated efforts across multiple teams.
With such a large and emotional event unfolding across several locations, here is a detailed list of the people and artistes who formed Betty Bayo’s burial organising committee.
Ben Githae
Revered Kikuyu gospel singer Ben Githae, who was among the key artistes to arrive at the Kenyatta National Hospital private wing following confirmation that Betty had died, was among the key people chosen to be in the committee.
The ‘Mlianza na Roho’ crooner was selected as the all-round coordinator of the burial on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, a day after Betty died.
Before Betty’s demise, Ben had been close to her and her family, and he was seen in videos on the day she passed, looking deeply saddened and moving up and down as he tried to organise things.
Elder David Kigomo
Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) elder David Kigomo was a key member of the committee, as he was always the one who made the first speech during the committee’s briefings.
Kigomo is a renowned musician who sings Kikuyu gospel songs, and he was the chairman in charge of all artistes.
He always gave emotional speeches about how central Betty had been in the music fraternity, painting her legacy with the kind of reverence that comes from years of shared ministry. He was also the central chairman of the committee.
Bishop Michael Wanderi
Christian Foundation Fellowships (CFF) founder Bishop Michael Wanderi was also a key member of the burial organising committee.
Bishop Wanderi was often allowed to speak, even during brief press briefings, because Betty Bayo was a devoted and baptised member of his church, headquartered in Kiambu Town.
He also had the honour of hosting Betty’s memorial and candle-lighting at his church and has eulogised her as a Christian who loved God and devoted herself to inspiring others to be born again.
Shiru wa GP
If photos and videos circulating online are anything to go by, gospel singer Shiru wa GP was arguably the face of the burial committee.
This is because she was the best friend of the late ‘11th Hour’ hitmaker and was also among the artistes who were at the Kenyatta National Hospital when Betty Bayo died.
Shiru was a key member of the central committee and was responsible for sharing the committee’s decisions with the public. Known for songs like ‘Mucamo’, she often went live during burial meetings, giving Betty’s fans real-time updates and information as the events unfolded.
Karangu Muraya
Facebook influencer and gospel singer Karangu Muraya was also not left out of clinching a slot in the committee.
According to reports that surfaced after Betty’s demise, Karangu had been part of the team that had been helping Betty get funds for her treatment.
As a central member of the committee, he often streamed live on Facebook to inform Betty’s fans about what the committee had agreed upon.
Karangu, during the meetings, always sat next to Pastor Kanyari or Betty’s widower, Hiram Gitau, mirroring his role as a bridge between the online community and the family.
Ngaruiya Junior
Kikuyu Kigooco singer Ngaruiya Junior, who has been trending on Facebook lately for all the wrong reasons, was also part of the committee.
Although Ngaruiya represented the artistes, he only stayed on the committee for part of the planning period, following backlash from netizens who criticised him for announcing details of Betty Bayo’s burial before the committee had confirmed them.
He had quickly posted a location he claimed was where she would be laid to rest, only for the committee to confirm the following day that it was incorrect, prompting netizens to accuse him of speaking out of turn.
General Kago
General Kago was then selected as the family’s chairman in the committee, and he was the voice that represented Betty’s family.
In photos and videos from the burial planning meetings held at Blue Springs Hotel and at Betty’s home, Kago was seen looking emotional, and he always sat next to artistes like Betty Bayo or Loise Kim, or at times Betty’s widower, Tash.
Author
Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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