List of celebs and politicians who attended Betty Bayo’s candle lighting

The nation continues to mourn the untimely passing of gospel singer and minister Betty Bayo, the renowned hitmaker of songs such as Busy Busy and 11th Hour, who succumbed on Monday, November 10, 2025, after battling acute leukaemia and excessive bleeding.

She was first admitted to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she passed away at 1:03 pm.

Also Watch: Uhuru donates Ksh1M to Betty Bayo’s family, offers scholarship to her children

In the wake of her death, family members, friends, and fellow gospel artistes have paid heartfelt tributes, celebrating her immense contribution to gospel music and ministry.

A memorial service and candle lighting were held in her honour on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Bishop Michael Wanderi’s Christian Foundation Fellowship (CFF) in Kiambu Town, drawing numerous public figures from the music, political, and religious spheres.

The memorial service began at 2:00 pm, with church members and visitors joining in tributes, prayers, and candle lighting ceremonies to commemorate Betty’s life, legacy, and the indelible mark she left on Kenya’s gospel scene.

Here is a list of some of the public figures who attended the event.

Sarah K

Gospel singer and minister of the gospel, Dr Sarah Kiarie, popularly known as Sarah K, attended the event to honour a songstress she has been mourning since the news of her passing was confirmed.

She was welcomed with exuberant celebrations, as many in attendance did not expect her presence.

Sarah, who shared a close friendship with Betty, was swiftly ushered to the front of the venue, where she led fellow artistes in performing some of Betty’s chart-topping songs, creating a poignant tribute to the departed star.

DJ Moh

Gospel singer Size 8’s husband, DJ Moh, was also present at the solemn occasion.

DJ Moh arrived in the company of Betty Bayo’s widower, Hiram Gitau, and appeared to be the support Hiram had chosen to lean on in case of an emotional moment.

DJ Moh was clad in a full black suit and remained closely beside Hiram, sitting and standing near him, particularly during Hiram’s speech, providing visible comfort and solidarity.

Guardian Angel

Gospel singer Guardian Angel also attended the event.

Angel, captured in photographs shared by Facebook influencer Karangu Muraya, who was present at the ceremony, was seen seated in a secluded section of the church, appearing to be lost in deep contemplation.

Guardian was a close friend of Betty and had previously shared an emotional post on social media after news of her passing was confirmed, reflecting his enduring bond with the late songstress.

Martha Karua

People’s Liberation Party [PLP] leader Martha Karua was among the key politicians in attendance at the event held at Bishop Michael Wanderi’s CFF Church.

Martha was adorned in a long, pink-hued dress, and her arrival caused a stir, with YouTubers thronging the entrance to capture her arrival and conduct interviews.

While delivering her speech, Martha remembered Betty as a pioneering figure in the Kikuyu gospel music industry and openly criticised the government’s failure to provide hospitals where citizens such as Betty could have received superior medical treatment.

“Those who are in the trade that I am in, that is, leadership and politics, let us do the best we can; a lot of words and no action cannot be enough, let us, wherever we stand, improve health services so that no family has to suffer, let us improve services across the board, let us improve security,” Karua urged.

Bishop Ben Kiengei

Jesus Compassion Ministries [JCM] head preacher Bishop Ben Kiengei also attended the occasion.

Bishop Kiengei, who has remained close to Betty’s family and friends since her passing, was allocated a time to address the congregation.

Kiengei appeared solemn as he recalled the challenges he and Betty once faced, including cyberbullying, and he prayed for her peaceful rest in eternity.

Bishop Mwangi Zakayo

Kamutiini Priesthood Fellowship Church head preacher Bishop Mwangi Zakayo was also present at the solemn occasion.

Bishop Mwangi was the one who formally welcomed Bishop Kiengei to the stage and appeared solemn as he reminisced about his personal relationship with Betty.

Bishop Mwangi was accompanied by his colleague Reverend Mary Lincon, who also sat in the front row beside Bishop Ben Kiengei, sharing in the moment of remembrance.

Moses Kuria

Former Senior Economic Advisor to President William Ruto, Moses Kuria, who has also been close to Betty’s family since her passing, attended the event.

Kuria was allowed to speak, during which he emphasised the importance of leaders prioritising public welfare and ensuring citizens have efficient access to essential services.

He reaffirmed that all leaders share the responsibility of safeguarding the well-being of the public.

“Let me echo the sentiments of Honourable Martha Karua, we have a duty as leaders to ensure that we do everything possible to strengthen the healthcaresystem in this country,” he stated.

While celebrating Betty’s legacy and their long-standing friendship, Kuria recalled that four years ago, during a hospital admission in Nairobi, Betty.

“When Shiro wa GP called me and told me Betty was in a hospital, I was abroad; when I came back, she was already dead. I remember four years ago when I was in Karen hospital, Betty and Tash walikuja kuniona na wakaniombea,” he added.