Popular Kenyan gospel singer Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, popularly known as Betty Bayo, is dead.
Bayo passed away on Monday, November 1,0, while receiving treatment at Kenyatta Hospital.
The last post on her Facebook Page a day ago read, “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me”.
The news of Bayo’s demise was confirmed by her ex-partner, Pastor Kanyari, with whom she had two children.
In his official social media, Kanyari wrote, “R.I.P Mama Sky. The mother to my kids.”
Gospel Singer Betty Bayo Dies After Battling Blood Cancer
A family representative, who spoke to the media at Kenyatta hospital explained that Betty had been unwell since the previous week, battling acute leukaemia and suffering from excessive bleeding.
She revealed that Betty was initially taken to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital on Friday.
“We are here at Kenyatta National Hospital’s private wing. The spouse, the father of their children, and friends of Betty Bayo want to inform the public that today at 1:03 pm, we have lost Betty, and it is no longer a rumour,” the representative said.
“Betty had been unwell since last week, suffering from acute leukaemia and excessive bleeding. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, the family confirmed that she had passed away at 1:03 pm.”
“She was first taken to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road before being transferred here on Friday. The doctors did their best, but the will of God has been fulfilled. We are planning to move her body to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, and all communications will follow,” she added.
Tributes
In a heartfelt condolence on his Facebook, Bishop Ben Kiengei mourned Bayo as someone who leaves behind a legacy of great contributions in the growth of the Gospel Music industry, friendship, and a soul that maximized its full potential.
“Living a life of praising God and business, the mother of two has been a jovial artist until lately when she was diagnosed with blood cancer(Leukemia) at an advanced stage,” he wrote.
“She has rested after serving. My condolences to your Mum, Husband, Siblings, Friends, the Music industry, and to your beautiful children. Rest in Peace, Betty Bayo, Cancer will also die one day.”
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Betty came to the limelight after releasing her hit song dubbed Eleventh Hour, a song that was received well due to its encouraging script.
The song became an anthem in churches and across gospel platforms, solidifying her place among influential gospel voices in Kenya.
Betty was married to Pastor Kanyari, and they later separated after his 310 scandal, and she found love in Hiram Gitau, aka Tosh.
Fellow artists and industry stakeholders have poured in tributes, describing her as a humble, gifted, and inspirational figure.
Also Read: Kakamega Bishop Philip Sulumeti Dies
Bayo Marriage
In December 2021, Betty Bayo tied the knot with long-term boyfriend, Tash, in a traditional wedding.
The gospel singer took to Instagram to announce the news, captioning a photo: ‘how it started’ on a photo of a car in the entourage, written ‘Bayo and Tash Ruracio’.
The groom was captured in another photo after correctly identifying Bayo from a line-up of bridesmaids.
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