NAIROBI, Kenya — Tash, also known as Hiram Gitau, paid a deeply emotional tribute to his late wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo, during a memorial service held in her honour on Sunday.
The couple had two children together, Sky and Danny.
In a letter read out at the service, Tash reflected on a love he described as transformative and divinely guided:
“As I write this final letter to you, I find myself returning again and again, to the love that transformed our lives. Ours was not just love, it was a turning point; a divine intervention and a second chance that God placed gently in our hands,” he said.
“From the moment we found each other, something in my spirit knew that this was destiny wrapped in grace. We built a life stitched in laughter, prayers, courage and moments that still glow in my heart. You gave me memories that time cannot fail. A companionship that shaped me.”
Sky Victor tribute to her Mam Betty Bayo
He said their two children brought happiness to their home.
“With Sky and Danny, we built a home filled with laughter, prayers, healing and hope. A home where every corner carried your softness, wisdom and prayers whispered all over at night,” he added.
Tash also fondly remembered their Kikuyu traditional wedding held on 17 December 2021, saying:
“I knew I wasn’t just marrying a woman, I was joining my life with a soul full of purpose, warmth and compassion. You walked into my world with a love that healed what was broken, strengthened what was fragile…” he narrated.
Pastor Victor Kanyari was seen gently comforting his daughter Sky at the hospital, following the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Betty Bayo.
He committed to honouring Betty’s hopes and values for their children:
“Sky and Danny will remain the centre of my devotion and the living continuation of your light. Everything you dreamed for them, everything you instilled in them, I will honour. They will be loved fiercely, protected always, nothing they desire, nothing they hope for will go uncommitted…” he said.
“My love, today, I honour you not with tears alone but with gratitude. Thank you for loving me. For choosing me. My love, you have rested after running your race with brilliance.”
Betty Bayo, whose real name was Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, died on 10 November 2025, at Kenyatta National Hospital after a battle with leukaemia.
Her death elicited nationwide mourning. President William Ruto described her as “an extraordinary gospel artiste whose voice carried hope into the hearts of countless Kenyans,” noting that her music was a ministry that inspired resilience and faith.
“Ningurora ciana ciitu, Sky Victor na Danny. Ngutigirira nimaikara uria urendaga na gutiri kindu makaga. Huruka uhoro mwendwa wakwa” – Muthuri wa Betty Bayo, Hiram Gitau
According to her family, Betty had been hospitalised in the days leading up to her death after her condition deteriorated rapidly from acute leukaemia.
At the memorial service, friends, family, and fans joined in remembering her legacy — not only through her music, notably the hit song “11th Hour”, but also through her faith, her compassion, and the deep bond she shared with her family.
Tash’s promise to raise Sky and Danny in the light of their mother’s values resonated strongly with attendees.
The memorial service was attended by among others Betty’s former husband Pastor Kanyari, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, musicians and fans.
