President William Ruto has mourned the death of celebrated gospel musician Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, popularly known as Betty Bayo, describing her as an extraordinary artiste whose voice inspired hope and faith among Kenyans.
In a message of condolence, President Ruto said Betty’s music touched countless lives and carried messages of strength, healing, and perseverance.
“We mourn the passing of Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, fondly known as Betty Bayo- an extraordinary gospel artiste whose voice carried hope into the hearts of countless Kenyans,” the President said.
He described her breakthrough hit, “11th Hour,” as a powerful anthem of divine intervention that inspired many people to remain hopeful even in their darkest moments.
“Her breakthrough hit, ‘11th Hour,’ was a powerful anthem of divine turnaround that inspired the faithful and comforted many who sought strength, healing and reassurance in gospel music,” Ruto said.
For more than 15 years, Betty Bayo’s songs defined the gospel scene in Kenya. Her music, often centred on themes of resilience, faith, and renewal, resonated deeply with audiences across the country and beyond.
“Betty lifted spirits through music that spoke of resilience, renewal, and steadfast faith in the face of life’s challenges,” Ruto said, praising her consistency and authenticity as a gospel minister.
The President said Betty Bayo’s message of endurance and unshakable belief in God’s timing will continue to inspire generations.
“Her message was consistent, clear, and heartfelt: never give up, no matter the hour, no matter the storm,” he said.
He added that while her voice has fallen silent, her impact will continue to be felt through her music and the lives she touched.
“Her voice may have fallen silent, but her ministry lives on in every heart she touched, every soul she uplifted, and every life she helped steady in difficult moments,” he said.
President Ruto extended condolences to Betty’s family, friends, and the gospel music fraternity, acknowledging her as a beacon of faith and a symbol of hope for many Kenyans.
“Rest in peace, Betty Bayo,” the President concluded.
Betty Bayo rose to fame in the late 2000s and became one of Kenya’s most beloved gospel singers.
Through songs such as “11th Hour” and “Maneno Ya Kuambiwa,” she built a legacy of worship and inspiration that made her a household name in the Kenyan gospel industry.
Bayo passed on Monday at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
A representative of the family in a press briefing streamed on her ex-husband Prophet Kanyari's social media pages said she suffered from leukemia and had been admitted in hospital since last week.
“We want to tell members of the public that today, at 1.03 pm, we have lost Betty Bayo; it is no longer a rumour. Betty was unwell since last. she was diagnosed with acute mild cancer, that is leukemia,” the representative said.
