The family of the late gospel singer Betty Bayo has begun sharing previously unknown details about the private struggles she faced before her sudden death, opening a new chapter in a story that has deeply unsettled many Kenyans.
Betty, known for her uplifting Kikuyu gospel music and strong social media presence, died on 10 November, leaving behind two young children and a circle of fans who admired her talent.
In the days following her burial, her family has increasingly spoken out, offering differing accounts of the life she lived behind closed doors.
Family Members Begin Speaking Out
The first stir came when Betty’s brother hosted a TikTok Live session, making claims about challenges in her marriage and touching off a heated public debate about who should take custody of her children.
His comments were followed by a separate TikTok Live by Betty’s mother, who lives in the United States, appearing alongside content creator Shiru wa Oakland.
During the emotional livestream, her mother recounted the final conversation she had with Betty just a week before her passing.
Fighting back tears, she shared that Betty had expressed fear and distress over her marriage, claiming she had endured mistreatment in the past.
According to her mother, Betty’s voice trembled as she said, “Woi woi Mummy, who did you leave me with over here?” The message, she said, left her deeply troubled.
The Growing Custody Debate
Betty’s mother also addressed the contentious question of who should care for the singer’s children. While the children are currently on school holiday, she expressed willingness to take them in but said she would prefer they temporarily stay with their aunts as she prepares to travel back to Kenya.
Public debate has been intense. Some argue that the children should live with their biological father, Pastor Victor Kanyari, who has maintained a cordial relationship with Betty in recent years.
Others believe her widower, Tash, should assume parental responsibility. A third group insists that the grandmother—having raised some of Betty’s siblings and maintained close emotional ties—should have primary custody.
The conflicting opinions have spilled across TikTok, Facebook, and community forums, with many questioning whether the family’s revelations honour Betty’s preference for keeping her personal life private.
Throughout her career, Betty rarely shared details about her relationships, a contrast to many public figures in the gospel community.
Public Reactions and Unanswered Questions
Netizens have been vocal as the revelations unfold. Some questioned why the family did not intervene earlier if they believed Betty was facing difficulties.
Others expressed discomfort at the sudden release of intimate details about a woman who, in life, kept such matters away from the spotlight.
Comments included:
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- “Which action did she take after the message? Why cry now if she stayed silent when Betty was alive?” — Annie Wairish
- “As a mother, why did she keep quiet when Betty was going through challenges? There’s a lot we don’t know.” — Lucy Max
- “Now they are saying she was suffering. Why speak after her death? This looks like a fight over property.” — Gladys Kinyanjui
- “Kanyari should take his children. Betty chose a private life—why expose her in death?” — Wambui Murithi
- “Mum, these things should have been said before the burial. It’s too late.” — Meeziken Dread
BY Geoffrey mbuthia
