Gospel singer Betty Bayo, born Beatrice Mbugua, was known for her bright smile, uplifting songs, and warm personality, which endeared her to millions.
And when her health started failing, after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, Betty continued hiding her pain behind her smile. She requested her close friends and family not to disclose that she was unwell.
Her friends say the singer feared that in her weakest moment, the public would mock her, especially on social media, where she had fought many battles before.
Mary Wanjiru, better known as Shiru Wa GP, was a close friend and fellow musician who stood by Betty during her final and most painful weeks.
In an exclusive interview with Nation , Shiru says Betty’s illness was sudden.
The first signs started showing in mid-October, just a month ago. Betty often looked exhausted, withdrawn, and unusually quiet.
“During our many meetings, Betty appeared dull and tired,” Shiru recalls. “She didn’t want to drive herself anymore and would sleep through some of our meetings.”
On October 18, Betty called Shiru to say she was feeling unwell.
They rushed to RFH Hospital, where doctors found that she had low blood levels and was bleeding excessively. They assumed it was her menses, but the dizziness and fatigue concerned the doctors.
She was admitted for five days, during which she received two units of platelets. But the doctors recommended more tests.
Gospel artiste Betty Bayo.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“On the second day in the hospital, she and her husband (Hiram Gitau) called me. She had just received a report that she was suffering from leukemia,” Shiru says.
Shiru immediately searched online for symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia, and everything matched: fatigue, bleeding, dizziness, and difficult breathing.
Since Betty’s husband, Hiram, lives in the US, the family hoped she could travel and receive treatment while under his care.
Betty was in denial. “She did not believe she could be seriously sick,” Shiru says. “Her husband travelled back to the US as we planned her treatment and got a ticket.”
On October 27, Betty’s condition worsened. She was readmitted to RFH because the blood she had received earlier had already been used up.
“We opened a WhatsApp group with about 30 people,” Shiru says. “We told her the seriousness of her illness.”
Whenever she received a platelet donation, Betty would feel more energetic and insist she wanted to go home.
Shiru called Hiram again, asking him to come back home so that he could accompany Betty for treatment abroad. By this time, she was experiencing heavy bleeding and agreed she needed to fight the disease. On November 3, she was admitted to AAR Hospital.
Within two days at AAR, Betty’s health declined sharply.
Internal bleeding triggered a stroke, which doctors managed to reverse, but she lost the ability to speak.
Gospel musician Betty Bayo.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Doctors at AAR advised an immediate transfer to Kenyatta National Hospital’s private wing for more specialised care.
Throughout this journey, Betty insisted her condition remain private.
“She begged that nobody should post her photos or start contributions online to help raise funds for treatment,” Shiru says.
“She said she had fought many battles on social media. She feared being trolled at her weakest moment.”
Even in pain, she remained protective of others. “She always said people should die with their respect,” Shiru adds. “No photos of her in her worst state.”
On her final day, before losing her speech completely, Betty sang her favourite song, “11th-hour.”
Before moving her to KNH, family and friends took her two children to see her.
“She could not talk. When she saw her children, she just cried,” Shiru recalls. “The doctors said her body was now fighting the new blood being introduced into her system. She was at the last stage, and she didn’t know it.”
Counsellors at Kenyatta National Hospital spent time with the children on the morning the news of her death was shared with them.
“When they saw their mum, they cried and promised they would be good children,” Shiru says.
By the time Betty was admitted to KNH, her body was too weak to keep fighting.
She passed away on Monday, November 10. She leaves behind two children and a legacy of music that has comforted, strengthened, and uplifted thousands.
Burial preparations are ongoing with artistes meeting at Bluesprings Hotel every day from 6.00 pm and at her home in EdenVille Estate, Kiambu Road.
