President William Ruto and his Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, have made a personal donation totaling Kshs 10 million to a trust fund for the late gospel musician Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, popularly known as Betty Bayo. The fund was established during her burial ceremony to support her children.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki led the government delegation at Ndumberi Stadium, where thousands of mourners attended the service and burial. While relaying the
President’s message that the nation had lost an outstanding musician, Kindiki announced the contribution, comprising Kshs 5 million from President Ruto and Kshs 5 million from himself.
The Deputy President, while eulogizing Betty, noted that despite never meeting her in person, he was greatly inspired by her music, highlighting ’11th Hour’ as a song that particularly moved him.
He called upon musicians, creative comedians, and writers from the Mt. Kenya region to come together so the government could fully support their talents. “We have to devise a way for you to be empowered so that we can support you fully as our artists,” Kindiki urged.
While delivering his eulogy, Hiram Gitau (Tash), Betty’s spouse, said he had lost a true companion, noting that their time together had shaped his life into what it is today.
Prophet Victor Kanyari, the father of her children, eulogized Betty as a loving wife who was always there for her family despite the challenges of their marriage. “I take this opportunity to apologize for what I caused Betty to undergo during those days of my life.
I’m really sorry,” Kanyari stated.
Short of words, her children, Sky and Denny Victor, said they would try to cope with the situation, noting that the vacuum left by their mother was huge.
The service, attended by a host of bishops and clergymen, was led by Bishop Michael Wanderi of the CFF church, where Betty was a congregant who served diligently.
