It was a heavy, almost suffocating silence as the air thickened with grief.
Hushed sobs and wails echoed through the crowd as family and friends cried inconsolably.
The arrival of gospel singer Betty Bayo’s body from the Kenyatta National Hospital to the KU Funeral Home for viewing unleashed a wave of emotions: disbelief, sorrow, and even anger, as family and friends held on to one another for comfort, struggling to come to terms with the harsh permanence of death.
Pastor Kanyari, Betty’s ex-husband, was visibly shattered as he stood near her body, while her current husband took the lead in the mourning procession, his grief palpable.
Among those in attendance were fellow gospel artists Loise Kim, Shiru wa GP, Sarah Mtalii, Ben Githae, and Karangu Muraya, who joined the family in solidarity during the emotional viewing.
Betty’s body was transferred in a white and red ambulance, followed by a long, sombre convoy; many of whom have since eulogised her as a powerful voice in the gospel scene.
According to family reports, Betty succumbed after excessive bleeding related to a long battle with leukaemia, a disease she had bravely fought while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, where she eventually passed away.
The funeral committee charged with overseeing her sendoff had given an update prior to the viewing, giving details of daily prayer sessions being held at the singer’s home.
“Family and friends are meeting at her home in Eden Ville estate and Bluesprings Hotel Thika Rd for condolence signing , mourning and prayers,” posted fellow singer Shiru wa GP.
Her passing has left many in shock, particularly as her social media pages remained active throughout her illness.
Her final post, shared just a day before her death, was a Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Before that, she shared, “If not for God, it could have been worse… may God protect you this night… Good night.
Her sudden demise now leaves family, friends and fans with a painful void.