Betty Bayo’s husband, Hiram Gitau, couldn’t stop crying at the Kenyatta National Hospital on Monday, November 10, 2025, when a doctor told him that the famous gospel singer had died.
Hiram, Betty’s ex-husband and a pastor, was seen crying and wailing loudly on Facebook Live as a family member read an official statement to the public.
Hiram, wearing goggles, kept lifting them to wipe his eyes. He was clearly distraught as relatives and close friends stood around him.
Just a few minutes previously, Hiram, Kanyari, and other family members had convened a news conference to announce that Bayo had died.
A family member who spoke for them said that Betty had been sick since last week, fighting acute leukaemia and bleeding too much.
She said that she was first transported to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road and then moved to Kenyatta National Hospital on Friday.
“We are in the private wing of Kenyatta National Hospital.” Betty Bayo’s husband, children, and friends want everyone to know that we lost Betty at 1:03 pm today. It’s not just a rumour anymore.
“Betty had been sick since last week with severe leukaemia and too much bleeding.
“The family said she had died at 1:03 pm, despite the doctors’ best efforts,” the spokesman added.
The official also said that plans were being made to take her remains to the KU referral hospital until the funeral, but they didn’t say where the burial would be.
“She was originally rushed to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road. Then, on Friday, she was sent here. The physicians did all they could, but God’s will has been done. “We are going to move her body to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, and all communications will follow,” she said.
Bishop Ben Kiengei, the lead pastor of JCM and a personal friend of Betty Bayo, wrote a touching post on social media to honour her.
She lived her life for religion, music, and family, Bishop Kiengei said.
Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, better known as Betty Bayo, became renowned when her hit song “Eleventh Hour” came out. The song’s positive message made it very popular.
“She lived a life devoted to praising God and running a business, and she was a happy artist until recently when she was diagnosed with advanced blood cancer (leukaemia),” the preacher wrote.
He said that she became famous with her popular song “Eleventh Hour,” was happy and dedicated to her work until the end of her life, and made important contributions to the gospel music business.
Bishop Kiengei also spoke on how she mentored future artists and how she would always be remembered. He praised her inspiring spirit and persistent commitment.
“She leaves behind a legacy of friendship, great contributions to the gospel music industry, and a soul that reached its full potential.”
“I send my sympathies to her mother, husband, siblings, friends, the music business, and her lovely children.” He said, “Rest in peace, Betty Bayo; cancer will die one day too.”