NAIROBI, KENYA – Celebrated Kenyan gospel artist Betty Bayo, a towering figure in the country's music scene, has died following a battle with leukaemia. The singer, whose legal name was Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, passed away at approximately 1:00 PM EAT on Monday, November 10, 2025, while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi.

Family representatives confirmed the news, stating she succumbed to complications from the disease. Speaking at a media briefing at KNH, Murang'a Woman Representative Betty Maina, acting as a family spokesperson, disclosed that the singer had suffered from excessive bleeding linked to her condition. “The doctors tried to do their best… but by the will of God, she has rested,” Maina stated on Monday.

Ms. Bayo’s health deteriorated late last week, leading to her admission to AAR Hospital along Kiambu Road on Friday, November 7, before she was transferred to KNH as her condition worsened. Her passing shocked many fans and colleagues, particularly as she had remained active on her social media platforms until the day before her death. Her final post on Sunday, November 9, was a Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

A National Voice of Hope

Betty Bayo rose to national prominence with her powerful hit song “11th Hour,” which became an anthem of hope and divine intervention in churches and homes across Kenya and the region. The song cemented her status as one of the most influential gospel voices of her generation. Her discography also included other widely recognized songs such as “Siyabonga,” “Ngai Ti Mundu,” and “Jemedari.”

Born in Nyandarua and raised in Ol Kalou and Kiambu, Bayo’s journey was one of perseverance. She spoke openly about her humble beginnings, which included dropping out of school due to financial hardship before finding her calling and success in music. Beyond her musical ministry, she was a versatile content creator and was admired for her influence in fashion and lifestyle.

Tributes from Across the Nation

Tributes have poured in from fellow artists, public figures, and fans. Her former partner, Pastor Victor Kanyari, with whom she had two children, was among the first to confirm the news and was present at the hospital. In a social media post, Kanyari expressed his profound grief, writing, “You left before I could say everything I needed to... I'll carry your memory, your love, and your spirit forever.”

Bishop Benson Gathungu Kamau of the Prophetic Latter Glory Ministries International also paid tribute, noting that Bayo had been diagnosed with advanced-stage leukaemia. “She leaves behind a legacy of a great contribution to the growth of the Gospel Music industry, friendship, and a soul that maximised its full potential,” he stated.

Family and Personal Life

Ms. Bayo’s personal life was often a subject of public interest. After her separation from Pastor Kanyari, she found love again with Hiram Gitau, popularly known as Tash. The couple formalized their union in a traditional wedding ceremony (ruracio) on December 17, 2021, and were raising a blended family. Mr. Gitau was reportedly inconsolable at the hospital upon receiving the news of his wife's passing.

She is survived by her husband, Tash, and her two children, a daughter named Sky Victor and a son named Danny. The family has announced that her body has been moved to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital Mortuary as funeral arrangements commence.