Today, I write with a heart weighed down by grief and disbelief. The news of the passing of Betty Bayo at 1:05 p.m. today at Kenyatta National Hospital after a long and courageous battle with blood cancer feels unreal. It is difficult to accept that someone so full of life, grace and kindness is no longer with us. Betty was not only a friend; she was a sister in spirit, a woman whose humility, compassion and faith left a lasting mark on everyone privileged to know her. Betty didn’t lionize her celebrity status. She was easy going. Simple.
I first met Betty in 2014 when I was working as a manager of a private school in Kiambu county. She walked into my office one quiet morning, seeking admission for her two children who were transferring from Akima Springs Academy. It was an ordinary professional encounter that turned into an extraordinary friendship. From the very first conversation, I was struck by her simplicity. She spoke gently, smiled often and carried herself with quiet dignity. There was no air of self-importance about her celebrity status- only a calm presence and genuine concern for her children’s well-being.
What began as a formal meeting between a parent and a school administrator quickly grew into something deeper – a friendship rooted in respect, honest and shared values. Betty was one of those rare people who could relate to anyone, regardless of their background or position. She treated everyone with kindness – the teachers, the support staff, even the school drivers. She understood people’s hearts and never looked down on anyone.
There were times when the school bus would accidentally leave her children behind. On such days, she would call me — not to complain or express anger, but to ask politely, “Ashford, are you passing by Jacaranda Gardens? Could you please pick them up for me?” Her tone was always gentle, her gratitude always genuine. That humility disarmed me. In a world where many parents would react with irritation, Betty responded with grace. Those small interactions revealed the depth of her character – patient, understanding and deeply human.
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Over time, our friendship blossomed. We would talk about work, faith, family, and the joys and struggles of raising children. Betty had a way of turning ordinary conversations into moments of reflection and encouragement. She was a woman of deep faith, and no matter the challenge, she always reminded me that God remained in control. Even when her children later transferred to an international school to pursue the British curriculum, our friendship remained unbroken. That transition did not create distance; instead, it strengthened the bond we had formed over the years.
Betty loved people. She valued relationships. She kept friends. She gave of herself freely – her time, her talents, her resources. She lived by the principle that blessings are meant to be shared. My last conversation with her, on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, captures that spirit perfectly. Our school’s Christian Union Patron, Mr. Samuel Kimani, was organizing a Weekend Challenge and needed a guest speaker. I immediately thought of Betty. I called her, and she responded with her characteristic warmth and enthusiasm. “Ashford, I’ll come,” she said. “Not alone — I’ll bring a team of 10.” She even insisted that she would not charge a single shilling. What’s more, she promised to come with her sophisticated sound system – completely free of charge. That was Betty – always ready to serve, to give and to support others in the work of ministry.
Today, as I reflect on that conversation, it feels like her final gift – a reminder of who she was: generous, passionate about God, and committed to touching lives. When I switched on my phone at around 4:50 p.m. after KCSE invigilation duties this afternoon, I was confronted with the devastating news of her passing. For a few moments, I froze. I could not believe it. Just a few months ago, we had spoken. Her voice was strong, her spirit unbroken. She was making plans, serving others, living her purpose. It is hard to reconcile that with the silence of death.
Betty’s life was a sermon – not preached from a pulpit but lived through her actions. She taught us what humility looks like, what faith in adversity means and what love in its purest form can achieve. Even when she fell ill, she carried herself with the same dignity and courage that defined her life. She never allowed pain to dim her smile or illness to steal her gratitude. Those who visited her during her treatment would tell you she was always the encourager – assuring everyone that all would be well, even when her own body was failing.
Her departure leaves a void that words can hardly fill. For her children, she was not just a mother but a friend and guiding light. For her friends, she was an anchor – steady, dependable and ever kind. For the many she inspired through her ministry and personal interactions, she was a reflection of God’s grace in human form.
As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life – a life of meaning, service and unwavering faith. Betty may no longer walk among us, but her legacy endures in every life she touched, every smile she inspired, and every heart she lifted. Death may have claimed her body, but it cannot silence her impact.
Fare thee well, my sister, my friend, my mentor, Betty Bayo. You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. You have kept the faith. You lived with purpose and left us with precious memories that time will never erase.
May the angels welcome you home with songs of peace.
May the Lord you loved so dearly grant you eternal rest.
And may those of us you’ve left behind find comfort in knowing that heaven has gained a gentle soul – one whose life was a testament to love, faith and humility.
Go well, BB. Rest in eternal peace.
By Ashford Kimani
Ashford teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub-county and serves as Dean of Studies.
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