Kenya is grieving the loss of celebrated gospel musician Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, popularly known as Betty Bayo, whose death on 10 November shocked fans across the country. Her family announced that she had been privately battling advanced leukaemia, a diagnosis she chose to keep away from the public eye. At 43, Betty remained active on social media and appeared healthy in recent photos, leaving many Kenyans struggling to accept the news. Tributes poured in immediately, with fans flooding her pages, clergy sharing memories of her ministry, and fellow artistes honouring her influence in the gospel community.
President William Ruto led the nation in paying tribute, praising Betty as an exceptional singer whose voice brought hope, strength, and healing to countless listeners. He highlighted the enduring impact of her hit song 11th Hour, a track many Christians embraced as an anthem of divine intervention. Ruto noted that for more than 15 years, Betty’s music carried messages of resilience, renewal, and steadfast faith, especially for those navigating hardship. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also expressed deep sadness, calling her passing a painful moment for the country and praying for comfort for her family.
Betty Bayo rose to prominence in the early 2010s alongside a vibrant wave of Kikuyu gospel artists. Singing in her native Agikuyu, she blended worship with personal storytelling in songs such as Gatho, Jemedari, Thiiri, Udahi, and Maneno. Her performances were known for their raw honesty, energetic praise, and testimonies drawn from her own life — including years of domestic work, returning to school, and pushing through hardship. Fellow musicians remember her as a clear, sincere voice whose ministry shaped modern Kenyan gospel music. Though her voice has fallen silent, her legacy remains firmly rooted in the hearts of those she inspired.