Ruto, Kindiki Donate Millions To Betty Bayo's Family In New Initiative For Musicians

President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have contributed Ksh10 million to support the family of the late gospel artist Betty Bayo.

The donation was issued on Thursday, November 20, the day of Bayo’s burial, and is intended to assist her young children. While attending the funeral in Kiambu, DP Kindiki confirmed he had given Ksh5 million, with President Ruto matching the amount.

“I will help Betty’s children with Ksh5 million. President Ruto has also sent me here with Ksh5 million,” he announced.

“Send me the account number I will send the money to the family. May God bless you, bless your businesses, bless your farms, bless your families, and bless everything that you own."

In addition, Kindiki announced that a major initiative has been launched to support artists and their families. To prove this, he committed Ksh5 million from himself and his family to a newly created trust fund meant to care for the children and dependents of musicians.

Kindiki also announced that President Ruto pledged an equivalent contribution. The initiative aims to ensure talented artists are not left to struggle in poverty and that their families receive long-term support.

Speaking at the Mugumo home along Kirigiti Road, near Kamiti Corner, Kindiki urged artists and musicians from the central region to come together and build a solid institution.

“We will support artists, and I'm begging you. Our friends, artists, and musicians in the Central Region are many, very talented. Please come together and let us establish a big foundation and trust to provide resources to take care of the children of artistes and the families of artists so that we don’t have our artists dying in poverty,” he pleaded.

A call for unity

Kindiki stressed that leadership and involvement from the artist community would be crucial for the fund to work. He said his family had already opened an account for contributions and was ready to send their donation at once.

“As one of you in this region, I hope there is some leadership we will get from artists and musicians, and we help each other. And if there is an account in place, alongside my family and my wife, I will contribute Ksh5 million to support these children. Tell me the account number I will transfer it immediately,” he added.

This contribution follows former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s earlier donation of Ksh1 million to support the funeral and honour Bayo’s ministry.

Kenyatta also fulfilled a pledge to stand with the family, with reports indicating he sought the names of Bayo’s children so their education could be sponsored through the Kenyatta Foundation.

In his tribute, Kenyatta described Bayo as “an extraordinary minister of the gospel whose music uplifted countless hearts and inspired hope across the nation.” He praised her impact on gospel music and her unwavering faith, noting that “Betty’s legacy will endure through her children, her music, and the many lives she touched.”

Betty Bayo died on Monday, November 10, after a fight with leukemia, with her family disclosing that her condition worsened a week before her passing.

Concerns about her health first surfaced in August 2025 when she was hospitalised and posted a photo of herself wearing an oxygen mask.

Also Read: New Details On Betty Bayo's Final Days Before Death Emerge

Bayo rose to prominence in Kenya’s gospel industry with her hit single 11th Hour, a track that remains widely loved 13 years later.