President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta all contributed money to help the family deal with the difficult period and to support Bayo’s young children.
The funeral took place in Kiambu, where hundreds of mourners gathered to celebrate the life of a woman who touched many hearts through her music.
Betty Bayo was widely loved for her song 11th Hour, which became a big hit more than a decade ago and continued to encourage people facing challenges.
Her death on November 10, after a long fight with leukemia, shocked the gospel industry and her fans across the country.
During the funeral service, Deputy President Kindiki announced that he had donated Ksh5 million to the family.
He also revealed that President Ruto had sent him with another Ksh5 million, raising the total support from the two leaders to Ksh10 million.
According to Kindiki, the donation was meant to help Bayo’s children recover from the loss of their mother and to support their future needs.
“I will help Betty’s children with Ksh5 million. President Ruto has also sent Ksh5 million,” Kindiki told the crowd.
He then asked the family to share their account number so the funds could be transferred immediately.
He also prayed for the family and thanked the mourners for standing with them. Kindiki said he hoped God would bless the children, their education, and their future.
The gesture from the President and his deputy was received with great appreciation. Many of the mourners said it showed respect for the work Betty Bayo had done in the gospel industry and the positive impact she had made through her ministry.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also showed strong support for the family. A few days before the funeral, he sent Ksh1 million to help with preparations and to honour Bayo’s contribution to gospel music.
Reports revealed that he had requested the names of Bayo’s children so that their education could benefit from the Kenyatta Foundation.
In his message of condolence, Uhuru praised Betty Bayo as “an extraordinary minister of the gospel whose music uplifted countless hearts.”
He added that her strong faith and dedication to serving God would always be remembered.
According to him, Betty’s influence would live on through her children, her songs, and the lives she touched during her career.
Betty Bayo passed away after battling leukemia for months. Her health started to decline sharply in August 2025 when she was admitted to hospital.
She shared a photo of herself wearing an oxygen mask, which worried many fans. Even as she fought the illness, she continued to express hope and faith, inspiring many people who followed her on social media.
Her family said that her condition became worse a week before her death. Although they were expecting recovery, she unfortunately lost the battle, leaving behind young children and thousands of grieving supporters.
Betty Bayo’s music career began many years ago, but it was her hit song 11th Hour that brought her nationwide fame.
The song encouraged people not to give up even in difficult moments, and it remained one of the most played gospel songs in Kenya more than 13 years later.
Many gospel artists who attended the funeral said Betty had opened doors for others and had used her talent to serve God faithfully.
Her family thanked Kenyans for their love, prayers, and financial support as they navigate life without her.
They also appreciated the government leaders for standing with them during the most painful moment of their lives.
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