Tributes are pouring in from fans, fellow musicians, and national leaders following the death of celebrated gospel singer Betty Bayo, who passed away on Tuesday afternoon at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi.
Her family confirmed that Bayo had been transferred to KNH from AAR Hospital along Kiambu Road after suffering excessive bleeding. She had been diagnosed with a form of leukemia (blood cancer), and her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to her death at 1:03 p.m.
Bayo’s final Facebook post, shared on Sunday, November 9, read: “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.”
Born and raised in Banana, Kiambu County, Bayo was the youngest of eight siblings. She often spoke about her humble upbringing, recalling that she left school in Form Two due to financial constraints and worked as a househelp before resuming her studies.
Bayo rose to prominence in Kenya’s gospel scene with her soulful voice and inspirational music. Her hit songs, including “Eleventh Hour,” “Yesu Ni Bado,” “Mungu Wangu,” and “Upo Nani,” resonated widely across the country.
In the mid-2010s, Bayo’s personal life drew national attention following her marriage to controversial preacher Victor Kanyari, who faced allegations of performing fake miracles. Despite the public scrutiny, Bayo later described that period as “a breaking and a learning moment.”
In 2021, she remarried a man identified as Tash in a traditional Kikuyu ceremony. Beyond her music, Bayo was also known for her charitable work, mentoring young women and supporting vulnerable families.
Her death has been met with an outpouring of grief across Kenya’s gospel community.
Gospel artist Daddy Owen mourned her on Instagram, saying, “Rest in peace to one of our own, Betty Bayo. Our hearts are deeply broken by this loss. Betty was more than just a voice in gospel music; she was an inspiration to many.”
President William Ruto eulogized Bayo as “an extraordinary gospel artiste whose voice carried hope into the hearts of countless Kenyans.”
“Her breakthrough hit ‘11th Hour’ was a powerful anthem of divine turnaround that inspired the faithful and comforted many who sought strength, healing, and reassurance in gospel music,” the President said, adding that her music “spoke of resilience, renewal, and steadfast faith.”
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also paid tribute, describing Bayo’s death as “a great loss to the nation.”
“Having risen from humble beginnings to great success and fame, Betty Bayo’s life speaks to the power of focus and faith. The gospel music industry is the poorer without her,” he wrote on Facebook.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be officially announced by the family.
