A sombre mood engulfed Kenyatta National Hospital on Monday as news broke of the passing of celebrated gospel singer Beatrice Mbugua, popularly known as Betty Bayo.
The beloved artiste succumbed to leukaemia, following a long and courageous battle with the blood cancer, news that sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry.
As Kenyans were mourning, many could not help but grieve in sympathy with her children as they received the devastating news.
Since her passing, past videos of Betty warmly interacting with the eldest, Sky, caught on across the internet, an emotional feat for the young influencer.
In one of the videos, Betty is seen having a heartfelt conversation with Sky about faith, family, and resilience.
“I am not always going to be there, but I have taught you God. I have taught you morals,” she told her daughter softly.
Soon after, other heartwarming clips of Betty playing with Sky and discussing family matters also resurfaced, drawing an outpouring of sympathy and admiration from fans who described her as a loving, intentional mother.
At the hospital, fellow gospel singer Shiru wa GP, a close friend of Betty, arrived carrying Sky, whom she had picked up directly from school in her uniform.
The young girl, who is currently sitting her examinations, was visibly distraught as she sought comfort in her father’s arms.
Many social media users have since interpreted the video as Betty’s way of preparing her children for life without her.
“I think Betty was preparing her daughter to live with people in case she’s not around,” one user, @VioletMokaya_f9o2I, commented on X.
Another, @Taxha4backup, added: “This girl will truly miss her mum.”
Born the youngest of eight siblings in Kiambu County, Betty Bayo rose from humble beginnings to become one of Kenya’s most beloved gospel voices.
Her emotional, Kikuyu-infused worship songs such as “Eleventh Hour” earned her a loyal following that has endured for over a decade.
Today, her music continues to dominate Kikuyu gospel airwaves, a lasting testament to her ministry and talent.
Betty leaves behind two children, Sky and Dani Victor, whom she shared with her ex-husband, the controversial city preacher Pastor Victor Kanyari.