Pastor Victor Kanyari has spoken out for the first time regarding the rising tensions between the family of his late ex-wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo, and her widower, Hiram “Tash” Gitau.
Betty died on Monday, 10 November, while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital, where she was reportedly battling a severe and aggressive form of blood cancer.
Family Conflict Emerges After Betty’s Burial
Disputes within the family began shortly after Betty was laid to rest. Her brother, Edward Kang’ethe Mbugua, published a post online alleging that the family had been kept in the dark about the seriousness of her condition until it was too late.
He further suggested that life in Betty’s home was far from what people believed, claiming that on the day of her passing, he found unpaid water and Wi-Fi bills at her residence.
A few days later, Betty’s mother entered the conversation with even more claims. She argued that Tash had never officially married her daughter and went on to appeal to Pastor Kanyari to take custody of the two children he shares with Betty.
She insisted that the environment the children were currently in was not ideal for their well-being. Additionally, she declared that she intended to protect Betty’s assets for the sake of the children’s future.
Most strikingly, she hinted that upon returning to Kenya from the United States, she would like Betty’s body exhumed so that an autopsy could be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.
Kanyari’s Public Appeal to Tash
In response to these remarks, Pastor Kanyari released a video addressing Tash directly. He explained that although he had chosen to stay silent initially, Betty’s mother’s emotional plea prompted him to speak.
He urged Tash to honour the wishes of Betty’s mother, describing her as a grieving parent deserving of empathy and respect.
“I have been quiet, just watching things unfold. I am touched by what that woman is going through,” he said.
“Tash, listen to her wishes so that you do not attract a curse from the one who has passed or from her as a mother. People may underestimate her, but I will not. She was her only daughter who supported her. Even I, as Kanyari, will respect her wishes, even though those are my children too. She is over 70; let us respect her.”
Kanyari also hinted that Betty and Tash had been facing difficulties long before her passing, suggesting that they had separated months earlier.
He clarified that he was not interested in Betty’s properties and insisted that his only concern was the welfare of everyone involved.
Despite the tension online, both men have publicly maintained that they respect one another, acknowledging their shared responsibility towards Betty’s children.
Kanyari Clarifies Who the Children Will Live With
This is in contrast to an earlier statement by Kanyari which he made back on 23rd November 2025.
At the time, a leaked audio clip had previously emerged in which Kanyari appeared to express concerns about Tash seeking full custody.
The recording ignited debate across social media, with many Kenyans urging both men to adopt a calm and cooperative co-parenting approach.
Addressing the matter at his Nairobi church, Kanyari confirmed that he had decided the children would remain with Tash, at least for now.
“I know he is hurting… he is mourning,” he said. “The people who can give him some comfort at this moment are the children.”
He added that he had no desire to fight over custody. “I want to remain a good person. I have seen people fight over wives and children, but I don’t want that.”
BY Geoffrey mbuthia
