Barely a month after the death of popular Kikuyu gospel singer Betty Bayo, her mother, Joyce Mbugua, is demanding that her daughter’s body be exhumed for a post-mortem.
Joyce says she doubts the singer died of advanced leukemia, as previously reported, and wants the true cause of death established.
Speaking in an interview with US-based Kikuyu influencer, Shiru wa Oakland, on Saturday, November 6, Joyce alleged that Betty had been enduring domestic violence from her partner, Hiram Gitau, popularly known as Tash. According to her, the singer and Tash had separated three months before her death due to his violent behaviour.
“Betty Bayo was being assaulted by her husband, and she wrote a long, bitter message last Friday before she died. She cried and asked me why I had left her with him,” Joyce said, revealing the emotional and physical strain her daughter faced.
Joyce questioned the timeline of the reported leukemia, saying it was unlikely cancer could claim a life in such a short period.
“As a family, we are still in shock over what caused her death. Which cancer kills a person within two weeks? There should be a post-mortem on Betty’s body to determine the cause of her death,” she said.
Concerns over children and estate
Joyce also accused Tash of withholding Betty’s two children, aged 10 and 13, despite an earlier family agreement on custody and management of the singer’s estate.
“He refused to attend the second family meeting about how we should handle these issues. He told us to go to court if we want the children’s custody,” Joyce said.
She alleged that Tash has been attempting to take over Betty’s wealth, registering her death certificate in his name and withholding her identity card.
“He (Tash) has also refused to hand over my Identity Card. I want Betty’s death certificate to be under my name!” Joyce said.
Joyce further proposed that Betty’s former husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari, take custody of the children, claiming Tash has not acted in their best interests. She vowed to pursue legal action if necessary.
During Betty’s burial, President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki contributed a total of Sh10 million—Sh5 million each—for the children’s welfare. However, Joyce says she has not received any of the funds and is appealing to Kenyans to help raise money for legal costs.
Tash ‘has another wife’
The mother also alleged that Tash had not legally married Betty, asserting that their visit to her home was only for an introduction ceremony.
“Customarily, he had not completed all the steps required for Betty to be legally married according to Agikuyu traditions,” she said.
She further claimed that Tash has another wife residing in the United States, with whom he has two daughters.
“He could not have taken Betty to live in the United States because he already has another wife and two daughters there,” she added.
Silence from Tash and friends
By the time of publishing, Tash had not responded to Joyce’s allegations. Similarly, close friends of Betty, including gospel musicians Shiru wa GP, Ben Githae, and Ngaruiya Junior, have remained silent.
Joyce emphasised that the last message from her daughter detailed the abuse she suffered. “Betty Bayo was being assaulted by her husband, and she wrote a long, bitter message last Friday before she died. She cried and asked me why I had left her with him,” she reiterated.
She also highlighted the need for legal oversight regarding the singer’s estate and children: “He refused to attend the second family meeting about how we should handle these issues. He told us to go to court if we want the children’s custody,” Joyce said.
Regarding Betty’s wealth, Joyce added, “He has also refused to hand over my Identity Card. I want Betty’s death certificate to be under my name!” She stressed that the children’s welfare must come first.
Bayo's passing
Bayo, who rose to fame with her inspirational hit “Eleventh Hour”, died on Monday, November 10, while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi.
Bayo’s journey in the gospel industry was marked by authenticity and perseverance. Her breakout hit “Eleventh Hour” became an anthem of hope, resonating with Christians across Kenya and beyond. Other popular songs such as “Highway,” “Ciana Cia Ngoriai” (Orphaned Children), and “Siyabonga” further cemented her place as one of the most beloved voices in Kikuyu gospel music.
Beyond her music, Bayo’s personal life often made headlines. She was once married to self-proclaimed prophet Victor Kanyari, but the couple divorced following his infamous “310” scandal.
Despite the controversy, Bayo remained steadfast in her faith and later found love again with Hiram Gitau, popularly known as “Tash,” whom she married after rebuilding her life.
Bayo is succeeded by her two children, and an enduring musical legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
