The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of gospel singer Betty Bayo, following mounting controversy and concerns over the circumstances that led to her demise.
In a directive issued on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, the Office of the DPP instructed the DCI to establish the exact cause of Betty Bayo’s death and determine whether there was any foul play involved. The move comes after a formal petition by her mother, who raised serious questions about the events surrounding her daughter’s illness, hospitalization, and eventual death.
Betty Bayo, whose real name was Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, died on November 10, 2025, at Kenyatta National Hospital. Initial statements from family representatives indicated that she had been battling leukemia, a form of blood cancer. However, conflicting accounts and unanswered questions soon emerged, triggering public debate and renewed scrutiny.
In her petition to the DPP, Betty Bayo’s mother expressed concern that her daughter had not shown prolonged signs of illness prior to her hospitalization and claimed that access to full medical records and post-mortem details was limited. She also questioned the speed at which burial arrangements were conducted, further fueling suspicions and calls for an independent investigation.
The DPP noted that the concerns raised warranted further inquiry and directed the DCI to re-examine all relevant aspects of the case, including medical reports, forensic findings, witness statements, and any other material evidence that may shed light on the singer’s final moments. Investigators have been asked to submit their findings within seven days.
The decision has been welcomed by members of the public and sections of the gospel music community, many of whom have been demanding transparency and accountability amid widespread speculation on social media.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation does not imply wrongdoing at this stage and have urged the public to allow due process to take its course. The outcome of the probe will determine whether further legal action, including an inquest, will be necessary.
More details are expected as the DCI concludes its investigations.
