Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has contributed Ksh1 million towards the funeral expenses of acclaimed gospel singer Betty Bayo, who died on Monday, November 10, 2025. The donation was part of a wider national response to the artist's sudden passing, which has drawn condolences from across the Kenyan public and its leadership, including President William Ruto.

The financial support from the former head of state was delivered on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, by media personality Muthoni wa Kirumba, popularly known as Baby Top, during a funeral planning meeting at Blue Springs Hotel in Nairobi. In addition to the monetary contribution, reports indicate Mr. Kenyatta has also committed to supporting the education of Bayo's children through the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, though further details on this are pending.

Betty Bayo, born Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, succumbed to acute leukaemia at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) at approximately 1:03 PM EAT on Monday. A family spokesperson confirmed her death resulted from complications, including excessive bleeding, arising from the aggressive form of blood cancer. Her illness was not widely known, as the singer had requested privacy during her health struggles, fearing public scrutiny.

Close friends revealed that Bayo's condition deteriorated rapidly in her final days. She was initially rushed to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road before being transferred to KNH for specialized treatment on Friday, November 7, 2025. Friends and family had been privately fundraising for her escalating medical bills.

National Mourning and Funeral Plans

The death of the "11th Hour" hitmaker has triggered a wave of national mourning. President William Ruto eulogized her as an "extraordinary gospel artiste whose voice carried hope into the hearts of countless Kenyans." Her ex-husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari, with whom she had two children, Sky and Danny, also issued a heartfelt tribute, stating he would carry her memory forever.

The funeral committee has announced a budget estimated between Ksh3 million and Ksh5 million to give the singer a befitting send-off. Fellow gospel artists, including Ben Githae and Shiru wa GP, have been central to the fundraising efforts.

A family spokesperson, Elder David Kigomo, announced that Bayo will be laid to rest on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The burial will take place at her own property in Mugumo Estate along Kiambu Road. A memorial service is scheduled to be held at the Christian Foundation Fellowship (CFF) Church, also on Kiambu Road, where she was a worshipper. Following her death at KNH, her body was moved to the Kenyatta University Funeral Home for preservation ahead of the funeral.

Bayo's passing leaves a significant void in Kenya's gospel music industry, where her songs of hope and resilience had inspired millions for over a decade.