Mystery Deepens Around Gospel Star Betty Bayo’s Death as DPP Orders Fresh Probe

Fresh drama has erupted over the death of beloved gospel singer Betty Bayo after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to dig deeper into the circumstances surrounding her passing.

The move follows a dramatic plea by Betty’s family, led by her mother Joyce Wairimu Mbugua, who formally petitioned the DPP demanding an inquest, insisting all is not as it seems.

According to the family, the singer had no known underlying illness before her sudden death, raising troubling questions about what really happened in her final days. They allege they were shut out of critical medical information, including the post-mortem report and treatment records — a move they say only fuelled their suspicions.

Adding to the controversy, the family claims Betty was buried in a rush, denying them time to seek clarity and deepening fears that crucial details may have been swept under the carpet.

DPP Steps In

In a statement released on Thursday, December 18, the ODPP confirmed it received the family’s complaint on December 9 and agreed the concerns warranted further scrutiny.

“The complaint raises serious concerns and suspicions regarding the circumstances of the deceased’s death, including claims that she had no underlying health condition and that the family was denied access to the post-mortem report,” the statement read.

The DPP has now directed the DCI to carry out thorough investigations and submit a report for review and possible legal action, vowing that the matter will be handled independently and in line with the law.

Kenyans Split Online

News of the probe ignited heated debate online, with Kenyans sharply divided. While some supported the family’s quest for answers, others urged them to let the late singer rest in peace.

“The family and the first husband should be fair to that gentleman,” one user commented, while another warned, “This will traumatise the children. There is no need for this. Let her rest.”

What We Know So Far

Betty Bayo, famed for her soul-stirring Kikuyu gospel hits and growing online presence, died on November 10 while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. At the time, the family said she had been battling leukaemia.

She was later laid to rest at her family home in Mugumo Estate, Kiambu County, in an emotional ceremony attended by fellow gospel artistes, friends and relatives.

‘My Child Cried to Me’ — Mother Breaks Down

The controversy intensified after Betty’s mother went live on TikTok with US-based content creator Shiru wa Oakland, recounting what she says was a haunting final conversation with her daughter.

“My child cried to me,” Wairimu said tearfully. “She asked me, ‘Why and who did I leave her with?’ That question has never left my mind.”

She insists the family deserves full transparency, calling for a post-mortem and access to all hospital documents related to Betty’s treatment.

“I want the truth about what happened to my child,” she said. “I need the post-mortem done. I need all her documents. Why is my ID still being held? Why does someone else have the burial permit — and why is the name wrong?”

Wairimu also accused those involved of dodging meetings and ignoring the family’s concerns in the tense days leading up to the burial.

As investigators move in, the nation now waits for answers in a case that has gripped gospel fans and reignited painful questions about what really led to Betty Bayo’s tragic death.