The burial of gospel singer Betty Bayo unfolded with a heavy emotional moment; however, a moment during the service drew unexpected attention after Bishop Michael Wanderi openly questioned Pastor Victor Kanyari’s behavior at the pulpit.
Kanyari, who had earlier delivered a eulogy filled with light jokes and brief laughter, found himself the subject of the bishop’s firm reminder about the solemnity of the day.
With the crowd in complete silence, many still dabbing tears, Bishop Jakes put the programme on hold for a moment to address the unfolding situation. The bishop indicated that Sky, Betty’s daughter, had never been playful throughout her mother’s ceremony, something usually characteristic of her.
Then he asked aloud what anyone needed to see on such a sombre day to smile or even laugh as though the children of the late singer were not mourning their mother. He reiterated that the moment called for deep respect and sensitivity.
He told the congregation there was a time to mourn and a time to laugh, but this particular day belonged to grief. Allowing humour to creep into a funeral, he said, risked sending the wrong message to a family already wrestling with pain.
The words weighed heavy on the crowd, eliciting nods from some attendees who had visibly been moved by the children’s grief.
Pastor Kanyari, who had earlier apologized for the challenges his past with Betty had brought, listened silently as the bishop spoke.
His earlier tribute had eulogized the strong character of Betty and her commitment to their children, but his tone of delivery had stirred mixed reactions.
The bishop’s remarks softened the tone of the ceremony. He called on all to approach the memory of Betty in the solemn way that it deserved, saying moments of laughter would find their place another day, but that day was meant for mourning and reflection.
