President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have donated a total of Ksh10 million to support the family of the late gospel singer Betty Bayo. The contribution was announced during her funeral in Kiambu on November 20, 2025. This follows a Ksh1 million donation from former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Betty Bayo, a prominent Kenyan gospel singer known for her hit song '11th Hour' released 13 years ago, passed away on November 10, 2025, after a prolonged battle with leukemia. Her health had deteriorated significantly in the week leading up to her death, with signs of worsening condition appearing in August 2025 when she was hospitalized and shared an image of herself wearing an oxygen mask on social media.
On November 20, 2025, during Bayo's funeral in Kiambu, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced a substantial donation to aid her young children. Speaking at the event, Kindiki confirmed his personal contribution of Ksh5 million, matched by another Ksh5 million from President William Ruto. 'I will help Betty’s children with Ksh5 million. President Ruto has also sent me here with Ksh5 million,' he said. He further assured the family of prompt transfer, adding, 'Send me the account number I will send the money to the family. May God bless you, bless your businesses, bless your farms, bless your families and bless everything that you own.'
This gesture builds on earlier support from former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who donated Ksh1 million days prior to assist with funeral arrangements and honor Bayo's legacy. In his message, Kenyatta described her as 'an extraordinary minister of the gospel whose music uplifted countless hearts and inspired hope across the nation.' He praised her dedication to gospel music and faith, stating, 'Betty’s legacy will endure through her children, her music, and the many lives she touched.' Reports indicate Kenyatta had promised to sponsor the education of Bayo's children through the Kenyatta Foundation, having requested their names for this purpose.
The donations highlight ongoing recognition of Bayo's contributions to Kenyan gospel music and the communal support for her grieving family.