The family of gospel singer Betty Bayo has confirmed that the beloved musician died on Monday afternoon while receiving treatment for blood cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

The 38-year-old, best known for her hit song Eleventh Hour, passed away at 1:03 p.m. on 10 November 2025, surrounded by relatives and close friends.

During an emotional press briefing at KNH, the family said Bayo had been unwell for about a week before being diagnosed with acute mild leukaemia, a fast-progressing form of blood cancer that caused severe internal bleeding.

“We want to tell the public that today at 1:03 p.m., we lost Betty Bayo. It is no longer a rumour; it is the truth,” a family spokesperson told reporters, their voice breaking.
“Betty was diagnosed with acute mild cancer—leukaemia. She was transferred to KNH on Friday as she was suffering from excessive bleeding. The doctors tried their best, but the will of God has prevailed.”

A sombre scene at KNH

Bayo’s ex-husband, Apostle Victor Kanyari, stood alongside her relatives as they addressed the media. His presence spoke volumes — a quiet show of unity despite their well-publicised past.

Hospital corridors fell silent as news spread. Relatives held one another for comfort, their faces heavy with disbelief.

The family said plans were under way to move her body from KNH to Kenyatta University Referral Mortuary, with further details on burial arrangements to be announced later.

“We are planning to move her body to the Kenyatta University Referral Mortuary, and all other announcements will come later,” they said.

An outpouring of grief

Across social media, tributes poured in from fellow artists and fans who described her as “a voice of hope” and “a woman who sang with her soul.”

Gospel musician Daddy Owen was among the first to mourn her publicly.

“RIP to one of our own, Betty Bayo. A true vessel of God whose voice and ministry touched countless lives. Her passion for the Gospel will never be forgotten,” he wrote.

Others recalled how her songs carried messages of faith, perseverance, and divine timing — especially her breakthrough track Eleventh Hour, which became an anthem of hope for struggling believers.

A legacy built on faith and resilience

Born Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, Bayo grew up in Banana, Kiambu County, as the youngest of eight children. Her life story — marked by hardship, faith, and recovery — became part of her ministry.

She often spoke about dropping out of school in Form Two due to financial difficulties, later working as a househelp before returning to education. Her rise to national fame from those humble beginnings inspired many who saw their own struggles reflected in hers.

Beyond music, Bayo became a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and content creator — known for her openness about personal pain and healing. She frequently used her platform to speak about forgiveness and starting again.

Final farewell

As Kenya’s gospel community grapples with the loss, many say Bayo’s death leaves a void that will be hard to fill. Her voice — both literal and symbolic — had become a source of comfort for those in despair.

At KNH, the grief was tangible. One nurse who had attended to her described her final days as “peaceful but deeply sad,” noting that Bayo often smiled and prayed with staff even as her health declined.

For now, her family has asked for privacy as they prepare for her send-off. Her passing, they said, is both “a painful goodbye and a celebration of faith fulfilled.”