Politicians pay glowing tributes following Betty Bayo’s death
By Luke Oluoch, November 10, 2025Kenyan politicians and artistes have condoled with the family and friends of gospel musician Betty Bayo, who tragically passed on this Monday, November 10, 2025.
According to her family representative, the celebrated singer passed away at 1:03 pm while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The representative said Betty had been unwell since last week, suffering from acute leukemia and excessive bleeding.
News of her passing elicited an outpouring of emotions from the media fraternity and her colleagues in the music industry.
Vessel of God
Daddy Owen, his colleague in the gospel scene, hailed the deceased for her dedication to advancing the gospel through her music.
“RIP to one of our own, Betty Bayo. A true vessel of God whose voice & ministry touched countless lives. Her passion for the Gospel will never be forgotten,” his statement said.
Daddy Owen went on to convey his thoughts to the family and friends of the deceased.
“To her family, friends, & the entire Gospel fraternity, may God comfort & strengthen you,” he added.
Similar tributes were shared by Dennis Itumbi. The presidential advisor on youth affairs acknowledged Betty Bayo’s immense contribution to the strengthening of many Christian faiths through her motivating songs.
“As a gospel musician, Betty Bayo not only sang; her songs were sermons. She literally made us sing prayers wrapped in lyrics and melody. Betty sang her heart out and connected us to heaven and literally lifted our souls where there are no burdens to carry.
“At the end, all we can say is asante sana, Betty, and to family and friends, “poleni sana,” his tribute concluded.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris, and Irungu Nyakera also shared their heartfelt tributes.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have received the news of the passing of our beloved Kenyan gospel artist Betty Bayo at Kenyatta Hospital. My heartfelt prayers go out to her family, friends, and the entire Kenyan gospel fraternity during this difficult time. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” Passaris mourned.
Isaac Mwaura:”Fare thee well, gospel artist Betty Bayo. Your song 11th hour was a great encouragement for many, me included, during tough moments and storms of life, coupled with the other one ‘Maneno.”
Peter Kaluma:”I have received the news of the passing on of our beloved Kenyan gospel artist Betty Bayo at Kenyatta Hospital. My prayers go out to her family, friends, and to the entire Kenyan gospel fraternity during this time of mourning.”
“Saddened by the loss of our dear Sister Betty Bayo. Among her many songs, 11th hour was a great inspiration and an encouragement in this journey of faith. We commit the children and the family to God, for great comfort in the coming days,” Pastor Margaret Wanjiru wrote.
Loss to Kenyan music
Meanwhile, Maina Kageni acknowledged that Bayo’s demise was a huge loss to the Kenyan music industry.
Kageni described the artiste as a person blessed with a good heart and a wonderful voice.
“My most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and her fans globally. Betty Bayo was a fine musician with a wonderful voice, immense talent, and an amazing personality. This is a loss for the Kenyan music fraternity,” his message of condolence read on X.
Most of the tributes, however, recognised her work of art in her single ‘Eleventh Hour.’
“Gospel artist Betty Bayo, best known for her hit song “11th Hour,” has passed away while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital,” radio personality Jeff Kuria stated.
The singer was married to Hiram Gitau after ending his relationship with her ex-husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari.