DPP Orders Fresh Probe Into Death of Gospel Singer Betty Bayo After Family Raises Concerns
The death of renowned gospel singer Betty Bayo has taken a dramatic turn after the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ordered a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding her passing.
In a letter dated Tuesday, the DPP, through Deputy Director Jacinta Nyamosi, formally instructed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a probe and submit its findings within seven days. The directive follows mounting pressure from the late singer’s family, who have questioned the official narrative surrounding her death.
The move comes after a formal request by Bayo’s mother, Joyce Wairimu, who petitioned the DPP seeking an inquest, citing what she described as “serious unanswered questions” regarding her daughter’s final days.
In her letter, Wairimu reportedly told the DPP that her daughter had not exhibited visible signs of serious illness in the days leading up to her death, raising doubts about the speed at which her condition allegedly deteriorated.
The family also claimed their suspicions deepened after they were denied access to Betty Bayo’s autopsy report, despite repeated requests. According to the family, the singer had no known underlying health conditions prior to her reported diagnosis.
Public records state that Betty Bayo, whose real name was Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, died on Monday, November 10, following a battle with cancer. However, conflicting accounts have since emerged regarding her reported leukaemia diagnosis, with relatives insisting that her health declined rapidly only at the beginning of November.
The family has further raised concerns over what they describe as a hurried burial, with Bayo’s mother alleging that the process was rushed in a manner that may have concealed critical evidence related to the cause of death.
In light of these claims, the DPP said an investigation would help establish the true circumstances surrounding the death of the “11th Hour” hitmaker.
Signs that the singer’s health may have been deteriorating first became public in August 2025, when Bayo was hospitalised and shared a photo on social media showing herself wearing an oxygen mask. At the time, she told fans that the cold weather had affected her health, but did not disclose details about any cancer diagnosis.
Fresh concerns were also raised a week before her death after reports surfaced alleging that a hospital had refused to admit her without a Ksh200,000 deposit. The medical facility involved has since denied the claims, insisting that due process was followed.
The DCI is now expected to examine medical records, hospital procedures, and family complaints as part of the investigation ordered by the DPP, as authorities seek clarity over one of the most controversial celebrity deaths in recent months.
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DPP Orders Fresh Probe Into Death of Gospel Singer Betty Bayo After Family Raises Concerns