NAIROBI, KENYA – Renowned Kenyan gospel artist Betty Bayo, celebrated for her inspirational hit song '11th Hour', has died following a battle with leukaemia. The singer, whose real name is Beatrice Mbugua, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, while receiving specialised care at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi. Her death was confirmed by family representatives and has sent waves of grief through Kenya's music industry and her extensive fanbase.

Family spokesperson and Murang'a Woman Representative, Betty Maina, confirmed the news during a media briefing at KNH. Bayo was admitted to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road on November 3, 2025, after her health deteriorated, before being transferred to KNH's private wing on Friday, November 7, for more specialised treatment as her condition worsened. She was suffering from complications related to acute leukaemia, including excessive bleeding.

Her close friend, fellow gospel artist Shiro Wa GP, revealed that Bayo had requested her health struggles remain private, fearing public scrutiny after previous experiences on social media. This led to a quiet but urgent effort by friends and family to manage her escalating medical needs. According to Shiro, Bayo initially faced delays in admission at AAR Hospital due to financial constraints, prompting a swift fundraising effort among friends that raised KSh 1.3 million. Shiro personally contributed KSh 260,000 to facilitate her immediate treatment.

Despite the private nature of her illness, the financial burden was significant. The hospital bill reportedly escalated rapidly, highlighting the immense cost of critical care in Kenya. This situation underscores a prevalent issue in the country, where many families resort to public appeals and crowdfunding on platforms like GoFundMe to cover unexpected and exorbitant medical expenses.

A Life in Music and Faith

Betty Bayo rose to prominence in the 2010s, becoming a household name with her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics. Her song '11th Hour' became a national anthem of hope, resonating deeply with audiences for its message of faith and last-minute divine intervention. Her music, primarily in Kikuyu and Swahili, often drew from her own life experiences of hardship and perseverance, which made her a beloved and authentic voice in the gospel scene.

Tributes have poured in from across the nation. Her former partner, Pastor Victor Kanyari, with whom she had two children, described her as a "woman of strength and faith." Her husband, Hiram Gitau, also known as Tash, whom she married in a traditional ceremony in December 2021, was present with the family at the hospital. Colleagues in the music industry, including Bishop Ben Kiengei, mourned her as a pivotal figure who contributed immensely to the growth of gospel music in Kenya.

Final Days and Legacy

In her final days, Bayo's condition declined sharply. After being transferred to KNH, she continued to fight, supported by her family. Her body has since been moved to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital Mortuary as funeral arrangements commence. She is survived by her husband, Hiram Gitau, and her two children.

Betty Bayo's passing is not only a loss for her family and the music community but also a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of artists and citizens to medical emergencies. Her life, marked by resilience from a young age, and her music, which brought solace to many, will remain her enduring legacy. Her death leaves a significant void in the Kenyan gospel industry.