President William Ruto has paid tribute to gospel artist Betty Bayo following her death on Monday from acute leukemia at Kenyatta National Hospital, describing the musician as an exceptional minister whose work provided comfort to millions through songs emphasizing perseverance and faith. The 43-year-old performer, born Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, succumbed to the rapidly progressing blood cancer after receiving treatment for approximately one week, with medical staff unable to stabilize her condition before she passed away shortly after 1:00 p.m.
Bayo gained national recognition during the early 2010s with her breakthrough track Eleventh Hour, which addressed themes of hope during hardship, and later released additional recordings including Gatho, Udahi, Thiiri and Maneno that resonated with audiences confronting financial pressure, relationship challenges and spiritual questions. The Kiambu County native previously worked as domestic help after leaving school in Form Two due to economic constraints before resuming her education.
Political figures, including Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and fellow gospel musicians such as Daddy Owen, expressed condolences, while her former spouse, Victor Kanyari, acknowledged the loss through social media. Family members are expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
Bayo gained national recognition during the early 2010s with her breakthrough track Eleventh Hour, which addressed themes of hope during hardship, and later released additional recordings including Gatho, Udahi, Thiiri and Maneno that resonated with audiences confronting financial pressure, relationship challenges and spiritual questions. The Kiambu County native previously worked as domestic help after leaving school in Form Two due to economic constraints before resuming her education.
Political figures, including Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and fellow gospel musicians such as Daddy Owen, expressed condolences, while her former spouse, Victor Kanyari, acknowledged the loss through social media. Family members are expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
