NAIROBI (BN24) — Beloved Kenyan gospel artist Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, widely known by her stage name Betty Bayo, has died after a long battle with cancer, her family confirmed Monday, November 10. She was celebrated for her uplifting music and unwavering faith that inspired millions across Kenya and beyond.
Bayo’s former partner, Pastor Victor Mwangi Kanyari, with whom she shared two children, announced her passing as his team arrived at Kenyatta National Hospital, where the gospel star had been receiving treatment. In an emotional message shared on social media, Kanyari wrote, “It hurts in ways I can’t explain. You left before I could say everything I needed to. I still see you in every laugh our children give, in every little habit that reminds me of you. We had our moments, but through it all, you were family. I’ll carry your memory, your love, and your spirit forever. Rest easy… you’ll always be missed.”
Prominent figures in Kenya’s gospel and media industries have since flooded social media with heartfelt tributes. Bishop Benson Gathungu Kamau confirmed that Bayo had been battling advanced-stage leukaemia, describing her as a woman of faith who touched countless lives through her music and ministry. “She leaves behind a legacy of great contribution to the gospel industry, friendship, and a soul that maximised its full potential,” he said. “Cancer will also die one day.”
Inooro TV news anchor Wakarura Wa Nyutu, a close friend of the singer, shared that she had recently spent time with Bayo just a week before her death. “Last Monday I was at your place. We stayed until almost midnight; we laughed, we talked, and I truly hoped you would be well. And now you’re no more,” she wrote, reflecting the shock and sadness felt by many of Bayo’s loved ones.
Bayo first rose to fame with her chart-topping gospel hit “Eleventh Hour,” a song that resonated deeply with fans for its powerful message of faith, resilience, and divine timing. Her music, often inspired by personal experiences and challenges, earned her a devoted following across East Africa.
Signs that her health was deteriorating appeared in August 2025, when she posted a photo on social media wearing an oxygen mask from her hospital bed. She hinted at struggling with illness but did not disclose the severity of her condition.
As tributes pour in from fans, colleagues, and church leaders, many remember Betty Bayo not only as a gifted vocalist but as a beacon of hope who used her platform to glorify God even amid personal trials. She is survived by her two children, family, and a legacy that continues to inspire Kenya’s gospel community.
