Uhuru Fulfills Promise to Support Betty Bayo’s Family After Her Death
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has fulfilled a promise he made to the family of the late gospel singer Betty Bayo, offering financial support just days after her passing.
On Saturday, November 15, the spokesperson of the Office of the Fourth President, Kanze Dena, visited Betty Bayo’s home on Uhuru’s behalf.
She delivered the former president’s condolences and handed over Ksh1 million to assist the family. The money was meant to support the late singer’s children, her husband Huram Gitau, and other close relatives as they prepare for her burial.
According to a statement from Uhuru’s office, the financial support was given to help ease the funeral expenses and to honour Betty Bayo’s life, music ministry, and impact on Kenyan gospel music.
Betty Bayo passed away on Monday, November 10, after battling leukaemia. Her family revealed that her health took a sharp turn for the worse just a week before she died.
In his tribute, Uhuru mourned Betty as “an extraordinary minister of the gospel whose music uplifted many hearts and inspired hope across the nation.”
He praised her dedication, her strong faith, and her contribution to spreading encouragement through her songs. Uhuru noted that her legacy would continue through her children, her music, and the countless people she touched throughout her career.
The plan for the Ksh1 million support was first made public by musician Ben Gitae on Thursday. He also revealed that Uhuru had requested the names of Betty’s children, expressing interest in helping support their education through the Kenyatta Foundation.
Another gospel artist, Ngaruiya Junior, estimated that Bayo’s funeral expenses might reach around Ksh3 million, considering the preparations and the expected turnout.
A memorial service for Betty Bayo is scheduled to take place at Christian Foundation Fellowship (CFF) along Kiambu Road.
This church holds a special place in her life, as she frequently ministered there through her performances and worship sessions.
Earlier in November, Uhuru himself had shared a worrying update about his health, suggesting he might also be dealing with a long-term illness.
Some Kenyans believe this personal struggle may be part of the reason he felt a deep emotional connection to Betty Bayo’s battle with cancer and chose to support her family generously.
About Betty Bayo
Betty Bayo rose to fame in the Kenyan gospel industry through her powerful hit song “11th Hour”, which continues to inspire listeners more than a decade after its release.
Despite her illness, Betty chose to keep her cancer journey private. She reportedly asked her friends not to organise public fundraisers for her treatment, insisting she wanted to maintain dignity and “die with respect.”
This decision surprised many, including close companions who knew she had been unwell but did not realise how serious the condition had become.
Her former partner, Pastor Victor Kanyari, said he did not know the extent of her sickness, and this lack of awareness made her loss even more painful for him.
Betty Bayo’s passing has left a huge gap in the gospel community, but her music, her ministry, and the hopeful message she always carried will continue to live on.
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