Before she died in November 2025 from Cancer of the blood, gospel singer Betty Bayo often reflected on the moments that shaped her life. One of her favourite stories was how Betty Bayo met her husband, Hiram ‘Tash’ Gitau, known as Tash. Their love story was quiet, unexpected, and deeply rooted in prayer.
It began during one of her prayer programmes. Betty and her team would invite listeners to share testimonies, and after one episode, they gave out a work phone number for people to send their stories.
Many messages came in, including several from Tash. But she did not see them at first because the messages went straight to the work phone, which she rarely checked.
Months later, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Betty finally had time to go through the work phone. As she scrolled through, she noticed the same number appearing again and again. It was Tash, who though based in the US, had been sending her verses from Ecclesiastes and short messages for a long time.
His persistence caught her attention, and she became curious about this man who had been trying to reach her so faithfully.
Eventually, she responded to one of his messages. After that single reply, Tash asked if he could call her. Their conversation flowed easily. Soon after, he requested a video call to confirm he was speaking to the real Betty. The video call found her unprepared, sitting at home with her hair undone, but it also showed her that he was genuine and not someone hiding behind a fake profile.
One day, while Betty Bayo was on a call with Tash, her son Dani walked in and introduced himself.
Dani boldly told Tash that Betty had promised him a bicycle almost ten years earlier but he still hadn’t received it. The honesty amused both of them. Tash asked about it, and Betty explained that the bicycle was not a priority at the time. That same day, Tash bought Dani the bicycle.
Dani was overjoyed and even asked for Tash’s number so they could stay in touch and be friends.
That gesture created a bond between Tash and the children, which touched Betty deeply. His kindness toward them made her feel safe. Over time, he became part of their daily lives, and she found herself sharing her day with him the way you do with someone you trust.
Though she had promised herself not to fall quickly, their friendship grew stronger. After more than a year of talking, Tash flew to Kenya and proposed to Betty Bayo, and she said yes!
Betty Bayo and Tash tied the knot in 2021 in a colorful traditional wedding ceremony.
The beautiful couple built a nice life together until Betty fell ill and died in 2025. She is survived by Tash and her two kids with Pastor Kanyari.
May Betty rest in peace, and may Tash and the family find comfort during this difficult time.
By Vivian K.