The tranquil grounds of the Kenyatta family estate in Gatundu South, where the manicured lawns slope gently toward the distant Aberdare ranges under a somber November sky, became a sanctuary of compassion on the afternoon of November 13, 2025. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, clad in a simple navy sweater that belied his stature, welcomed a small delegation from the family of the late gospel artist Betty Bayo, whose sudden passing from cardiac arrest at age 38 had plunged Kenya's Christian music scene into mourning. In a gesture that rippled through social media and church pews alike, Uhuru handed over a Ksh1 million cheque to cover funeral arrangements and directed the Kenyatta Trust Foundation to assume full sponsorship of Bayo's three children's education—from primary through university. "Betty's voice lifted spirits in sanctuaries and homes; her light must not dim in her children's future," Uhuru stated softly, his hand resting on the shoulder of Bayo's widower, Pastor Victor Kanyari, as tears welled in the clergyman's eyes. "The million eases the burial's burden, but the Trust's commitment ensures her legacy endures in their diplomas, degrees, and dreams."
Bayo, the mellifluous songbird behind hits like "11th Hour" and "Barua," collapsed during a rehearsal at her Huruma home on November 10, leaving behind daughters Heaven (12) and Blessing (8), and son Triumph (5). Her death, confirmed at Nairobi Women's Hospital after frantic resuscitation efforts, sparked an outpouring of tributes from gospel luminaries like Reuben Kigame and Emmy Kosgei, who filled X with clips of her soaring sopranos in packed crusades. The family's modest means—Bayo balanced ministry with a small boutique in Zimmerman—had cast a shadow over funeral costs estimated at Ksh2.5 million for a befitting send-off in her native Nyeri. Uhuru's intervention, channeled through the Trust he founded in 2016 to educate vulnerable children, arrived like manna. "Mzee heard our plea through a mutual pastor friend; he called personally, no intermediaries," recounted Kanyari in the estate's sun-dappled veranda, clutching the cheque like a lifeline. "He said, 'Victor, focus on healing—the children study without worry; uniforms, fees, books, all covered.'"
The Kenyatta Trust, which has sponsored 5,000 students since inception with a Sh2 billion endowment from family and corporate donors, will enroll the children immediately: Heaven at a Kiambu boarding academy, Blessing and Triumph in day schools with transport stipends. "Full sponsorship means no cap—secondary, tertiary, even overseas if merited," explained Trust CEO Jane Ngugi during a follow-up call, her voice warm with the foundation's ethos. "Uhuru insists: Betty's talent nourished souls; her kids deserve nourishment for minds." The donation covers the November 22 burial at Nyeri's Othaya farm: tented venue for 3,000 mourners, hearse from Lee Funeral Home, and a granite headstone etched with lyrics from "Barua."
Uhuru's philanthropy, a quiet constant since retiring in 2022, echoes his presidency's Jomo Kenyatta Foundation scholarships for 10,000 orphans annually. In Gatundu, he hosted the family for two hours over tea and mandazi, reminiscing Bayo's 2019 State House performance during a national prayer breakfast. "She sang 'Heshima' with such grace; I told her then, 'Your voice is Kenya's prayer,'" Uhuru shared, his eyes misting. Kanyari, pastor at Salvation Healing Ministry, nodded: "Mzee prayed with us, laid hands—said Betty's in heaven's choir now." The former president, whose post-tenure focuses on peace mediation in DRC and Ethiopia, added a personal touch: annual family retreats at the Ichaweri farm.
The gesture resonated nationwide. Gospel fraternity matriarch Shiru wa GP: "Uhuru honors our own—Betty's songs healed; his gift heals hearts." COTU's Francis Atwoli, at a labor rally: "Leadership beyond office—sponsor the vulnerable." On X, #UhuruForBayoKids trended with 200,000 posts, clips of her concerts interspersed with gratitude.
Bayo's mother, Monica Wairimu, at the family home in Nyeri: "God sent Uhuru—funeral dignified, grandchildren secure." The Ksh1 million funds: casket Ksh300,000, venue Ksh500,000, catering Ksh400,000, transport Ksh200,000, balance to family. Trust's pledge: Ksh5 million yearly per child projected through university.
As dusk painted Gatundu gold, Uhuru waved off the delegation: "Tell the children: study hard, sing louder—Mommy watches." Kanyari's parting: "From president to papa—grateful forever." In Kenya's chorus of compassion, Uhuru's act harmonizes—a million for mourning, education eternal, Betty's ballad enduring in her brood's bright tomorrow.
The Trust's enrollment: Heaven Form 1 2026, Blessing Grade 4, Triumph PP1. Annual retreats: Ichaweri July. Shiru's tribute concert: November 20, 5,000 attendees. Atwoli's pledge: COTU bursaries match. Wairimu's relief: "No more fees fears." For Heaven, Blessing, Triumph: diplomas dawn. In the republic's resilient rhythm, Uhuru's undertone uplifts—a donation's duet where funeral fades to future, and Bayo's voice echoes in educated echoes.
