Husband's First Public Words

Hiram Gitau, the husband of the late Kenyan gospel singer Betty Bayo, made his first public statement during an emotional memorial service held at their Edenville home in Nairobi. Addressing close friends, family, and figures from the gospel community on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Gitau, also known as Tash, expressed his shock and gratitude for the support his family has received. "It was a shock," he stated, acknowledging the difficulty of the loss for him and Bayo’s two children, Sky Victor and Danny. The event, emceed by comedian Terence Creative, saw Gitau formally welcome guests and thank them for their prayers and presence.

Details of Illness and Passing

Betty Bayo, born Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, passed away at approximately 1:00 PM EAT on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Multiple family sources and official statements confirmed the cause of death as complications from acute leukaemia, a form of blood cancer she had been privately battling. Close friends revealed the singer chose to keep her diagnosis private for fear of public ridicule. Her health deteriorated rapidly in the weeks leading to her death. She was first admitted to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road before being transferred to KNH on Friday, November 7, after suffering from excessive bleeding and a stroke.

National Mourning and Tributes

The news of Bayo's death sent shockwaves across Kenya, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow artists, and political leaders. Her ex-husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari, with whom she had her two children, confirmed the news and was visibly emotional at the hospital. Despite their separation, the two maintained a co-parenting relationship, and Kanyari has pledged to continue raising their children. Bayo was a household name in Kenya's gospel scene, renowned for her hit song "Eleventh Hour," which catapulted her to fame over a decade ago. Her music was celebrated for its messages of hope and perseverance.

Funeral and Burial Arrangements

The family has announced that Betty Bayo will be laid to rest on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The burial will take place at a property she owned at Mugumo Estate along Kiambu Road. A memorial service is scheduled to be held at the Christian Foundation Fellowship (CFF) Church on Kiambu Road, where she was a worshipper. A committee overseeing the funeral arrangements has established a budget of KSh 5 million and has appealed to the public for contributions to meet the costs. Daily planning meetings are being held at Bluesprings Hotel on Thika Road for the musician fraternity and at her Edenville home for family and friends.

Bayo's body was moved from KNH to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital Mortuary pending the funeral. She is survived by her husband, Hiram Gitau, and her children, Sky Victor and Danny.