The death of gospel singer Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, popularly known as Betty Bayo, has sparked an outpouring of grief across Kenya, with President William Ruto describing her as a beacon of faith whose music offered comfort and inspiration to many.
In a message shared on his official X account, the President remembered Bayo as an artist whose voice “carried hope into the hearts of countless Kenyans.”
He said her songs encouraged perseverance and renewed faith, adding that her hit 11th Hour had become an anthem for believers seeking divine intervention in difficult times.
“For over 15 years, Betty lifted spirits through music that spoke of resilience, renewal and steadfast faith,” Ruto wrote, celebrating her contribution to Kenya’s gospel music industry.
He noted that even though her voice had fallen silent, her influence would continue to be felt through the lives she touched.
Betty Bayo’s music career began in the late 2000s and quickly gained national attention.
Her songs, often drawn from personal stories of endurance and faith, became household staples in churches and Christian media.
She was widely respected for maintaining a consistent message of hope despite facing personal and professional challenges.
Her hit 11th Hour remains one of the most streamed Kenyan gospel songs on digital platforms, reflecting her enduring connection with audiences beyond church walls.
Many fans have taken to social media to share how her lyrics inspired them during times of hardship, with fellow musicians also describing her as “a sister in ministry and a mentor to many.”
Betty Bayo’s passing adds to a growing list of gospel artists who have shaped Kenya’s spiritual and cultural landscape, leaving behind a body of work that continues to uplift and encourage millions across the nation.