Sky, the late Kikuyu musician Betty Bayo's daughter, has delivered an emotional tribute to her mother, recounting the gospel star's final moments and the pain of watching her fight for life in the hospital.
In a moving tribute on Thursday, Sky shared intimate details of her mother's last days, revealing how the celebrated artist battled through severe pain while trying to remain strong for her children.
"My mother is very strong, and the sickness started with small headaches, and after that it got so severe she had to go to a small hospital nearby our house," Sky narrated during the emotional send-off.
The teenager described how the illness escalated rapidly, forcing her mother to seek medical attention. Despite the severity of her condition, Betty Bayo attempted to maintain a brave face for her family.
"The rest is too painful to explain, but my mother was in severe pain, yet she tried to smile for us," she said.
Read More
Sky recalled a particularly heart-wrenching moment when she forced her way into an ambulance at AAR Hospital to speak privately with her mother, who was connected to multiple tubes.
"I told her that we miss her and we love her, and it's so sad to come back home to not see your mom there anymore because she's sick in the hospital," she recounted.
In what would become their final interaction, Sky described how her mother, unable to speak or move, could only respond with tears streaming down her face as she fought to communicate.
"She wasn't able to talk back. She wasn't able to move, but tears ran down her cheeks and she tried her best to talk back and tell me things, but she wasn't able to tell me," Sky shared.
The emotional tribute highlighted the close bond between mother and daughter, with Sky acknowledging how Betty Bayo had nurtured her talents despite public criticism.
"She wanted me to reach heights that are unimaginable. The moment she saw the talent, she tried to embrace and nurture no matter what the crowd said. She was the only one who truly believed in me and knew there was something in me," she stated.
The gospel musician succumbed to acute leukemia at Kenyatta National Hospital at 1:03 pm after being transferred there from a smaller facility where she had initially sought treatment.
According to hospital representatives, medical personnel had worked tirelessly to save Betty Bayo's life, but the advanced stage of blood cancer and excessive bleeding proved too severe.
Prophet Kanyari, Betty’s former partner mourned the artist, highlighting her strengths as a mother.
"It hurts in ways I can’t explain. You left before I could say everything I needed to. I still see you in every laugh our children gives, in every little habit that reminds me of you.
"We had our moments, both the fire and the calm, but through it all, you were family. I’ll carry your memory, your love, and your spirit forever. Rest easy, you’ll always be missed," he said.
President William Ruto was among several dignitaries who mourned Betty Bayo, describing her as a beacon of faith whose music, particularly her breakthrough hit "11th Hour," became an anthem for believers across the country.
"For over 15 years, Betty lifted spirits through music that spoke of resilience, renewal and steadfast faith in the face of life's challenges," the President stated in his tribute.
