NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s gospel fraternity is mourning the death of celebrated musician Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, better known by her stage name Betty Bayo, who passed away on Monday, November 10, after a long battle with cancer.
The 11th Hour hitmaker breathed her last at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi, where she had been receiving treatment.
Her ex-partner and father of her two children, Pastor Victor Kanyari, confirmed the heartbreaking news.
“R.I.P Mama Sky. The mother to my kids,” Kanyari posted on social media, as friends and family gathered at KNH to pay their last respects.
Her death has triggered an outpouring of grief from fellow artists, fans, and church leaders, many describing her as a woman of strength, humility, and unshakable faith whose music touched countless lives.
A Journey Rooted in Humility
Born in Banana, Kiambu County, and raised in Olkalao, Betty Bayo was the last born in a family of eight.
Her upbringing was marked by financial hardship — a challenge that shaped her resilience and deep faith.
She dropped out of school in Form Two due to lack of fees and worked as a housemaid for two years before her family helped her resume her education. Despite these struggles, Betty never gave up on her dream to sing for God.
Her powerful voice, emotional lyrics, and unwavering spirit would later earn her a spot among Kenya’s most beloved gospel artists.
A Voice That Inspired Generations
Betty Bayo’s music career took off with the release of her breakout hit, 11th Hour, a soulful anthem of hope and divine timing.
The song became an instant favorite, dominating airwaves and inspiring thousands facing hardship.
She went on to produce a rich catalog of gospel songs including Udahi, Thiiri, Nikuhadwo, Anabadilisha, Maneno, Jemedari, Everything, and Gatho.
Her songs — filled with messages of grace, perseverance, and faith — earned her a loyal following both online and offline.
Her YouTube channel and social media platforms became places of encouragement for her fans across Kenya and beyond.
Love, Scandal, and Strength
In 2011, Betty married Pastor Victor Kanyari, and together they had two children. However, their union ended after a widely publicized scandal in which Kanyari was accused of performing fake miracles and exploiting congregants through the infamous “KSh310 seed” scheme.
Although her name was dragged into the controversy, Betty maintained her innocence and publicly distanced herself from her ex-husband’s actions.
“He has not sent even a cent for these children since the time we separated, but I leave him for God,” she once said in a past interview.
Despite public scrutiny, Betty reinvented herself — focusing on her music, her children, and her faith.
She later revealed that she had found love again but chose to keep her new partner’s identity private.
A Legacy of Faith and Hope
Betty Bayo’s story is one of courage and perseverance — a testimony of how faith can transform adversity into purpose.
From a humble girl in Kiambu to one of the most recognizable voices in Kenyan gospel music, her journey remains an inspiration to many.
As tributes continue to pour in, fans remember her not just for her voice, but for her unwavering trust in God even through the darkest seasons of life.
