Betty Bayo’s burial details have finally surfaced, putting an end to swirling rumours about the late gospel singer’s final resting place amid her family’s push for a dignified send-off.
Elder David Kigomo, speaking on behalf of the family during a sombre gathering at Blue Springs Hotel, clarified that Bayo will not be laid to rest at either her ex-husband Pastor Victor Kanyari’s home or her current husband’s residence.
Instead, the 35-year-old powerhouse, known for soul-stirring anthems like “Acha Nitafutie”, will be interred at Mugumo Estate along Kiambu Road, on a parcel of land she personally acquired years ago.
This revelation comes as supporters rally to meet the KSh 5 million funeral budget, with donations still pouring in from fans touched by her legacy.
The announcement drew sighs of relief from those tracking the story closely, as speculation had run wild on social media platforms since Bayo’s untimely death from leukaemia last weekend.
Posts on X and Instagram buzzed with theories, some suggesting a burial at Kanyari’s Kasarani compound to honour their shared past and co-parenting of daughters Sky and the younger one.
Others floated her husband’s family plot, painting pictures of a blended farewell. “It’s heartbreaking enough without the guesswork,” Kigomo told the hushed crowd at the hotel, his voice steady but laced with the weight of loss.
“Betty chose that land herself, a quiet spot reflecting her independent spirit. It’s hers, not tied to anyone else’s home.”
Set for Thursday, November 20, the interment will cap a week of tributes, starting with a memorial service at Christian Foundation Fellowship church along Kiambu Road, where Bayo worshipped faithfully.
The venue holds special meaning; insiders recall her leading worship sessions there, her voice rising above the congregation in unfiltered praise.
“She poured her heart into that place,” said a long-time church member, who requested anonymity to respect the family’s privacy.
“Burying her nearby feels like completing the circle.” The service will feature performances from peers like Eunice Njeri and Reuben Kigame, blending gospel harmonies with personal reflections on Bayo’s journey from a small-town talent to a national icon.
Fundraising efforts, kicked off with the family’s public appeal for KSh 5 million, show the practical side of grief. Costs cover everything from the chapel rental to floral arrangements and a modest reception for mourners expected to number in the hundreds.
Mobile money lines lit up within hours of the call, with contributions from everyday fans alongside celebrity donors. “We’ve hit about 60 percent already,” Kigomo updated, crediting the groundswell to Bayo’s reach.
Her music, streamed millions of times on platforms like Spotify, touched lives across generations, from matatus in Nairobi to rural chapels in Kisii.
One donor, a 28-year-old teacher from Thika, shared online: “Betty’s songs got me through my darkest days. This is the least I can do.”
The choice of Mugumo Estate has sparked gentle debates about ownership, with some online voices claiming the plot was a joint purchase with her husband, Tash.
Quick fact-checks from family sources quash that, affirming it as Bayo’s solo investment, bought during a period of personal milestone after her divorce from Kanyari.
“She built her own foundation,” Kigomo emphasised, nodding to her real estate ventures that included rental properties yielding steady income.
This detail paints Bayo not just as a singer but as a savvy woman navigating fame’s pitfalls, from early marriage strains to health battles kept private until the end.
Kanyari, who has navigated his own share of public scrutiny, offered measured support via a brief statement on his ministry’s page.
“Betty’s wishes guide us all. Pray for the girls as we heal,” he wrote, alluding to the children now facing life without their mother.
Hiram Gitau ‘Tash’, the businessman who stood by her bedside, has deferred to the family’s lead, focusing on logistics.
Their unity in sorrow contrasts the messy headlines of yesteryear, when Bayo and Kanyari’s split made tabloid fodder.
As Kenya’s gospel community mobilises, this chapter in Bayo’s story highlights themes of autonomy and community. Women’s groups praise the burial site’s symbolism: a woman’s land for a woman’s rest.
Child welfare advocates, meanwhile, eye the future for Sky and her sister, urging counselling amid the spotlight. With the date locked in, attention shifts to celebration over speculation.
Bayo’s family urges continued giving, directing funds to a verified M-Pesa line. In the end, these Betty Bayo burial details affirm a life claimed on her terms. From stage lights to Kiambu soil, her echo lingers, a testament to faith’s quiet victories.