President William Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki have jointly contributed Sh10 million to a trust fund set up for the family of the late gospel singer Betty Bayo.
Speaking at the funeral service held at Ndumberi Stadium in Kiambu, Kindiki pledged to immediately wire Sh5 million from his family and friends.
“Mimi na mke wangu na familia yangu, nitachangia milioni tano kusaidia hawa watoto. Niambiwe account number, I will wire the money immediately,” he said. Kindiki added that he reached out to President Ruto on his way to the burial, and the President promised to match his contribution.
“Vilevile nikiwa njiani, nimepigia rais simu. Katika hio trust ya family ya marehemu dada yetu, atachangia kwa elimu ya watoto na shilingi milioni tano,” he said.
Mourners cheered as the DP made the announcement, adding to the trust fund for Betty’s children and family.
His donation follows Sh1 million contributed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, delivered in person by former Statehouse spokesperson Kanze Dena, alongside other pledges and contributions.
Betty leaves behind two children, a son and a daughter.
Her only daughter, Sky Victor, paid tribute to her mother’s unwavering support, recalling how she nurtured her talents.
“The moment she saw talent, she tried to embrace and nurture it, no matter what the crowd said. She was the woman who believed in me. The only thing I can promise her now is that with or without her, I will accomplish all the awards we talked about and dedicate them to her,” Sky said.
Reflecting on the suddenness of her mother’s passing, she added, “Never in my mind did death come to mind when she fell ill. Nothing major has happened in my life, so death feels so unreal.”
Betty Bayo will be remembered as a powerful voice that inspired hope for millions of listeners whose hearts she touched through her music.