Gospel singer Betty Bayo died on Monday at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi after a protracted battle with acute leukaemia, her family confirmed.
Bishop Kanyari, Bayo’s former partner, posted a tribute on Facebook describing the depth of his loss and the enduring impact of her life.
According to a family source, Bayo had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer, and had been receiving treatment at KNH when her condition deteriorated.
The hospital remains the site of her passing, although further medical details have not been publicly released.
In his social‑media post, Bishop Kanyari wrote: “It hurts in ways I can’t explain. You left before I could say everything I needed to. I still see you in every laugh our children gives…”
He added that despite their past, they remained family and promised to carry her memory, love, and spirit forever.
Bayo rose to prominence with her hit song “Eleventh Hour” and was widely known in Kenya’s gospel music sector.
Her illness had become public earlier this year, prompting an outpouring of support online.
While the exact timeline of her diagnosis has not been disclosed, media reports indicate she had been battling her condition for some time.
Friends, fans and industry colleagues took to social media expressing condolences and sharing memories of her contribution to gospel music.
The family held a press briefing at KNH where the cause of death was announced.