Thousands of mourners gathered to honour the late singer, but her mother, Joyce Mbugua, who lives abroad, was notably absent.
Despite her absence, Joyce connected with the ceremony online, and her tribute was read to the congregation.
Despite her absence, Joyce connected with the ceremony online, and her tribute was read to the congregation.
Bishop Michael Wanderi, who had been Betty’s preacher, acknowledged that Joyce could not attend in person but reassured the audience that the mother and daughter had shared their last moments virtually.
Among the mourners was Tanzanian gospel singer Rose Muhando. She shared how Betty had personally helped her during a difficult time.
Among the mourners was Tanzanian gospel singer Rose Muhando. She shared how Betty had personally helped her during a difficult time.
“When I was sick and at Pastor James Ng’ang’a’s church, Betty came for me and took me to the hospital. My recovery was largely because of her,” Rose said, before breaking into song.
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Bishop Wanderi invited a friend to read Joyce Mbugua’s tribute. Joyce described Betty as her loving daughter who had faith in God from a very young age.
“Being my lastborn, my memories are still fresh. Betty loved God since she was twelve and often led fasting and night vigils,” Joyce wrote.
The tribute also highlighted Betty’s career journey. Joyce recalled how Betty moved from journalism into gospel music in 2009 and always supported her family emotionally and financially.
The tribute also highlighted Betty’s career journey. Joyce recalled how Betty moved from journalism into gospel music in 2009 and always supported her family emotionally and financially.
She mentioned how Betty helped her relocate to a better home in Runda Estate and later encouraged her to move to the United States.
Betty’s brothers—Moses Kariuki, John Ngugi, Charles Gatimu, Nathan Kamau, Peter Njuguna, and Edward Kang’ethe—also spoke at the funeral.
Betty’s brothers—Moses Kariuki, John Ngugi, Charles Gatimu, Nathan Kamau, Peter Njuguna, and Edward Kang’ethe—also spoke at the funeral.
They described Betty as a source of joy who kept the family united.
“We hoped you would overcome your health challenges, but you took your last bow. We love and miss you so much. Till we meet again,” they said in a tearful tribute.
Victor Kanyari, a close friend of Betty’s, brought light moments to the service. While eulogising her, he admitted he struggled with English, which made the audience laugh.
Victor Kanyari, a close friend of Betty’s, brought light moments to the service. While eulogising her, he admitted he struggled with English, which made the audience laugh.
He shared memories of how quickly they became close and praised her resilience, strength, and devotion to her children. Kanyari promised to continue supporting Betty’s family and uphold her legacy as a loving mother and faithful woman of God.
Although Joyce Mbugua could not attend, her words reminded everyone of the strong bond she shared with her daughter.
Although Joyce Mbugua could not attend, her words reminded everyone of the strong bond she shared with her daughter.
“No mother should have to go through this experience,” Joyce said in her message.
She described Betty as someone full of humility, love, and care who had touched everyone around her.
The Ndumberi Stadium was filled with family, friends, fellow artists, and fans who came to celebrate Betty’s life.
The Ndumberi Stadium was filled with family, friends, fellow artists, and fans who came to celebrate Betty’s life.
The service included prayers, songs, and emotional speeches. Attendees recalled Betty’s dedication to music, her generosity, and her commitment to her faith.
Despite the sorrow, the event highlighted the impact Betty had on those around her—friends, family, and fans alike.
Despite the sorrow, the event highlighted the impact Betty had on those around her—friends, family, and fans alike.
Her life and work left a lasting impression, and her legacy will continue through her children, her music, and the people she helped during her lifetime.
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