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The funeral of the celebrated gospel artist drew national attention, marked by a Sh10 million donation from the Presidency for her children's welfare and questions over her mother's absence.
Renowned Kenyan gospel artist Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, popularly known as Betty Bayo, was laid to rest on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at her Mugumo Estate home in Kiambu County. The burial followed a public funeral service at Ndumberi Stadium, where hundreds of mourners, including political leaders, fellow artists, and fans, gathered to pay their final respects. Bayo, celebrated for her hit song "11th Hour," passed away at the age of 36 on Monday, November 10, 2025, while receiving treatment for acute leukaemia at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
In a significant gesture reflecting the artist's national impact, the Presidency donated Sh10 million to a trust fund established for the education and welfare of Bayo's two children. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, speaking at the funeral, announced that he and his family would contribute Sh5 million, a figure matched by President William Ruto. "President Ruto has also sent me here with Sh5 million to support the children's education," Kindiki announced to the mourners. This contribution followed a separate Sh1 million donation from former President Uhuru Kenyatta to assist with funeral arrangements.
The send-off was distinguished by a green theme, a colour her close confidants said represented a core part of her identity. The theme was visible in the casket, the attire of her husband Hiram Gitau, her children, and many of the mourners. The burial itself was an intimate, private affair, with only 50 close family and friends present at the graveside as her body was interred at 5:20 PM EAT. Security was tight to ensure the family's privacy during the final moments.
The ceremony was marked by emotional tributes from her husband, Hiram Gitau, and her ex-husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari, with whom she had her two children. Gitau spoke of the profound void left by her passing, while Kanyari reflected on their shared past and apologized for any difficulties his public controversies may have caused her.
Notably absent from the funeral was Bayo's mother, Joyce Mbugua, who resides in the United States. While she did not attend physically, she participated in a prayer service in Seattle and sent a tribute that was read at the service. In her televised eulogy during a memorial service on November 16, she described Betty as a loving daughter who had become her primary provider and vowed to continue loving and supporting her grandchildren.
Family representatives confirmed that Bayo's death followed a rapid and difficult battle with acute myeloid leukaemia. Murang'a Woman Representative Betty Maina, speaking on behalf of the family after her passing, stated that complications from the cancer caused excessive bleeding. The singer was first admitted to AAR Hospital before being transferred to KNH for specialized treatment as her condition worsened. Her passing sent shockwaves through the Kenyan gospel music community, where she was remembered as a humble and inspirational figure whose music touched countless lives.
