A sombre atmosphere filled Ndumberi Stadium in Kiambu as thousands gathered to bid farewell to celebrated gospel artist Beatrice Mbugua, widely known as Betty Bayo. The emotional farewell attracted leaders, musicians, church groups, and fans who came together to celebrate her life, faith, and musical legacy.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki temporarily halted his intensive Mbeere North by-election campaigns to attend the funeral, underscoring the national impact the late singer had made. He was joined by former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah, both of whom came to stand in solidarity with the grieving family and the wider gospel community.
Addressing mourners, Kindiki expressed his deep admiration for Betty Bayo’s music despite never having met her personally. He praised her uplifting songs, including her popular track 11th Hour, which he said had inspired many Kenyans. The deputy president also expressed heartfelt concern for the young children the singer leaves behind, assuring the family that they would not be abandoned during their time of grief.
Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s creative sector, noting that artists play a pivotal role in shaping society and contributing to the creative economy. He urged musicians and creatives from the Central Kenya region to unite and establish a strong trust fund that can cushion families of artists in times of loss, ensuring that children of departed creatives do not face hardship.
Betty Bayo passed away on November 10 while receiving treatment for advanced blood cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital. Her death has sent shockwaves across the gospel fraternity, with tributes continuing to pour in from fans, fellow musicians, and church leaders.
The funeral served as both a farewell and a celebration of a woman whose voice, ministry, and compassion left a lasting imprint on many lives.
