'Fought Alone, Feared Mockery': Betty Bayo’s Last Moments

Kenyan gospel artist Betty Bayo, born Beatrice Mbugua, has died from acute myeloid leukaemia. 

She passed away on 10 November after a short illness that she had kept private.

Bayo’s choice to conceal her condition stemmed from her desire to maintain dignity and avoid public scrutiny. 

Friends said she feared online criticism, having previously faced harsh comments on social media. “She always said people should die with their respect,” recalled fellow musician Mary Wanjiru, known as Shiru Wa GP, who was with her during her final weeks.

Her illness began suddenly in mid-October, when she appeared increasingly tired and withdrawn. On 18 October, she was admitted to RFH Hospital after experiencing severe bleeding and dizziness. 

Initial treatment involved platelet transfusions, but further tests confirmed leukaemia. Doctors later referred her to Aga Khan University Hospital, and her family hoped she could travel to the United States for treatment under the care of her husband, Hiram Gitau.

Although doctors urged immediate treatment, Bayo initially denied the severity of her illness. Friends formed a support group to encourage her to continue medical care, but her health declined rapidly towards the end of October, leading to multiple hospitalisations. 

On 3 November, she was admitted to AAR Hospital, where internal bleeding caused a stroke. Doctors managed to reverse the stroke, but she lost her ability to speak.

Throughout her illness, Bayo insisted on privacy. She asked friends not to post photos or organise public fundraisers, determined to preserve her dignity.  

In her final days, she sang her favourite song, 11th Hour, before losing speech entirely. Family and friends brought her two children to visit before she was transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital’s private wing. Witnesses described an emotional reunion as she embraced them silently. Counsellors later provided support to the children following her death.