The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the death of gospel artist Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, popularly known as Betty Bayo.
Directive Details
In a directive dated December 17, 2025, Deputy DPP Jacinta Nyamosi, acting on behalf of DPP Renson Ingonga, instructed that a full report on the investigation be submitted within seven days.
The move follows a formal complaint by the late singer’s mother, Joyce Wairimu Mbugua, filed through her lawyer Geoffrey Omenke, requesting an inquest into her daughter’s death.
Family Raises Concerns
In her letter to the DPP, Wairimu described the death as mysterious, noting that Betty had no prior illnesses and had been denied access to her medical records and autopsy details.
“The family suspects an evil hand in the death of the deceased,” she stated, calling for an independent investigation, including possible exhumation and postmortem.
The mother expressed concerns that Betty’s burial was hurried, raising fears of a possible cover-up.
DPP’s Position
The DPP’s directive highlighted the main issues:
- Suspicion surrounding the death
- Absence of any underlying medical condition
- Concerns over the autopsy
“The allegations must be investigated promptly in line with the ODPP’s constitutional mandate,” Deputy DPP Nyamosi emphasized.
Background
Betty Bayo, 36, passed away on November 10, 2025, at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi after reportedly battling blood cancer (leukemia). Her body was moved to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital mortuary before being laid to rest at her Mugumo farm in Kiambu County.
At the time of her passing, Betty was married to Hiram Gitau (“Tash”), following her separation from Pastor Victor Kanyari.
