The family of gospel musician Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, widely known as Betty Bayo, has formally petitioned the Director of Public Prosecutions to open an inquest into her sudden death, saying the circumstances surrounding her passing remain unclear and deeply troubling. The petition, filed on December 9 by her mother through Omenke Andeje & Company Advocates, argues that several unanswered questions and a hurried burial justify a full investigation.
Betty Bayo died on November 10 at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. The announcement of her death came from her family and her former partner, Pastor Victor Kanyari, with early reports indicating that she had been battling acute blood cancer. Her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow artists and President William Ruto.
Despite the reported diagnosis, the family says the situation does not add up. In their petition to the DPP, they state that Betty Bayo had never shown signs of serious illness, and they question how she could have died so suddenly. They also note that no autopsy report was provided, leaving them without a medical explanation for her final days. According to the petition, the family believes the burial was conducted too quickly, which they fear may have concealed important facts.
Betty Bayo was buried on November 20 following a public funeral service at Ndumberi Stadium that drew hundreds of mourners, including relatives, artists, community members and politicians. However, the actual burial was conducted privately, with only about 50 people allowed to attend under tight security. The green-themed ceremony took place on land she owned, a choice her family made to ensure that neither her former partner nor her husband would have control over her final resting place.
The family further claims that they were denied access to her medical records, including details of what she was being treated for shortly before her death. They argue that this lack of transparency, combined with unexplained details surrounding her final days, justifies an urgent inquest.
In their letter, the family urges the DPP to direct the Inspector General to initiate investigations into the circumstances of her death. They cite constitutional provisions guaranteeing the right to information and the requirement that suspicious deaths be properly examined. The family maintains that only a formal inquest can provide clarity and accountability as they seek answers about what happened to the beloved gospel singer.
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