Family Grapples with Public Scrutiny Amid Mourning

NAIROBI – Hiram ‘Tash’ Gitau, the husband of the late renowned Kenyan gospel musician Betty Bayo, was publicly advised to disregard online gossip during a funeral planning meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Blue Springs Hotel on Thika Road. The counsel came from a preacher officiating a prayer session for friends and family gathered to organize the singer’s final rites.

Betty Bayo, whose legal name was Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Kenyatta National Hospital after a battle with acute myeloid leukaemia. Her death sent shockwaves through the Kenyan entertainment industry and prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists and fans.

In the days following her passing, Gitau and the extended family have faced intense public scrutiny, particularly on social media platforms. The preacher’s advice directly addressed this pressure, urging the widower not to be distracted by "naysayers on social media" during his time of grief. This counsel highlights the growing challenge public figures in Kenya face in managing private sorrow under the glare of public online commentary.

Online Rumours and Family Unity

The social media speculation has been fueled by various online personalities, including blogger Githaiga Wa Chai, who has been actively commenting on the family's affairs. A significant portion of the online discussion has revolved around the future of Bayo’s two children from her previous relationship with Pastor Victor Kanyari.

These rumours intensified after Gitau and Bayo’s close friend, fellow musician Shiru Wa GP, were seen visiting a lawyer’s office in Nairobi. The visit sparked widespread debate about a potential custody dispute. However, both the lawyer, Mwenda Njagi, and Shiru Wa GP later clarified the meeting was to sort out ambassadorial contracts Bayo held, not custody matters.

Despite the online chatter, Bayo's ex-husband, Pastor Kanyari, and her widower, Hiram Gitau, have presented a united front. At a memorial service held at the family’s Eden Ville home on November 13, 2025, both men spoke of their shared loss and mutual respect. Kanyari explicitly asked the public to support both families as they navigate their grief.

Funeral Arrangements Confirmed

The family, through spokesperson Elder David Kigomo, has announced that daily funeral planning meetings will continue at the Blue Springs Hotel. A final memorial service is scheduled before the burial.

Bayo will be laid to rest on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at a property she owned at Mugumo Estate along Kiambu Road, a decision the family stated was in accordance with her wishes. A funeral service will be held at Ndumberi Stadium in Kiambu County before the private interment. The family continues to request prayers and privacy as they finalize preparations.