Pastor Victor Kanyari has responded to growing criticism from sections of the public who claim he is mourning his late ex-wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo, more intensely than her husband.
Betty, known for her hit “Eleventh Hour,” died on Monday, November 10, at Kenyatta National Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia.
The controversial preacher addressed the issue through an emotional video posted on his Facebook page, where he sought to clarify his intentions and express his grief.
An Emotional Tribute
In the Facebook post accompanying the video which came just hours after his live session where he clarified that he didn’t know Betty Bayo was sick.
Kanyari wrote, “I know it’s true that money never buys everything, but with Bayo’s death, I would have tried something if at all I knew about her illness early enough. I’ll forever maintain the joy our kids had while you were with us. I still can’t believe that right now I must say RIP to your every post.”
The message, which came days after Bayo’s passing, was followed by a heartfelt video where the pastor opened up about his pain and addressed online discussions surrounding his conduct.
“My Heart Is Bleeding”
Speaking in a mix of Swahili and English, Kanyari said he was deeply hurt by the ongoing conversations on social media about how he has been mourning.
“Mambo ambayo yanaendelea social media hayanifurahishi. My heart is bleeding kwa sababu kwa culture yetu hatufai kuongelelea mtu ambaye amekufa,” he said.
He continued to express his sorrow, describing Betty Bayo as a special person in his life.
“Moyo wangu huna huzuni wakati tunapata kuongelelea Betty Bayo. Betty Bayo was everything. Ningeambiwa nitoe hata billions of shillings, ningetafuta nitoe kwa ajili ya Betty, lakini Mungu alimpenda zaidi na akamchukua,” he stated.
Kanyari also acknowledged Bayo’s husband, known as Tash, whom he said he respected for taking care of their children. “Betty alifanya nijue huyo mzee anaitwa Tash na ninamuheshimu kwa sababu ameniangalilia Danny. Mimi nimetoa mamilioni kwa sababu ya watoto wangu lakini Tash na Betty walihishi nao, na ninampa heshima.”
“Everyone Has Their Own Way of Mourning”
The pastor dismissed claims that he was trying to overshadow Bayo’s husband in his public grief, saying that mourning is a personal and emotional process that differs for everyone.
“Wakati watu wanasema namourn sana kushinda Tash, kila mtu anakuanga na style yake ya kumourn na emotions zake. Namumourn sana kwa sababu mimi sikujua akigonjeka,” he said.
He further revealed that although their relationship ended years ago , they remained on good terms after their divorce and even after Bayo remarried. He revealed that it was Bayo who ended their relationship, but insisted that there was no animosity between them.
Mixed Public Reaction
The video has drawn mixed reactions online, with some praising Kanyari for openly expressing his grief, while others accuse him of seeking public sympathy.
Many social media users pointed out that Kanyari had rarely spoken about Bayo when she was alive, leading some to question the authenticity of his online mourning.
Despite the criticism, Kanyari maintained that his posts are a genuine expression of pain over the loss of a woman who was once an important part of his life and the mother of his children.
Joyce Muthini , ”She could have told you but she decided to fight alone, let’s respect her decision, may her soul rest in peace.”
Mwamburi Betty , ”I believe she avoided publicity because you would have told everyone. She was smart, just respect her decision. ”
Catherine Wambugu ,”Ukweli you could have done something…the bond was beyond our bitter words and insults. But pole sana .”
A Complicated Love Story
Betty and Kanyari’s relationship, which began in the early 2010s, was one of the most publicised unions in Kenya’s gospel scene.
They had two children together, and while Kanyari insisted he had paid dowry and considered her his wife, Betty later denied they were ever formally married.
Their relationship ended amid controversy following a 2014 TV exposé that linked Kanyari to alleged fake miracles. Betty distanced herself from him shortly after, saying their marriage had broken down emotionally long before the scandal.
In the years that followed, both pursued different paths. Betty remarried businessman Tash Gitau, while Kanyari continued his ministry and remained active in his children’s lives.
