Pastor Victor Kanyari has urged online users to stop attacking his family and allow them space to grieve following the ongoing public disputes over custody and related issues after the passing of his ex-wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo.
The tensions escalated when Betty’s brother, Edward Kang’ethe Mbugua, publicly stated that the family was not adequately informed about the gravity of her illness.
He also questioned the marital status between Betty and her widower, Hiram Gitau (known as Tash), sparking widespread debate on social media.
Earlier, Kanyari faced allegations of funding bloggers to damage Tash’s reputation, which he firmly denied. During a church sermon, he expressed concern that his children had become distant toward him since their mother’s death, questioning whether they were being influenced.
However, following backlash from netizens, Kanyari shifted his stance and appealed for calm.
In a recent address, he said: “Social people media fighting the family, please stop. They should stop fighting Tash, he lived with Betty Bayo well. Leave Sky and Danny, just leave that family alone. Let Tash, Danny and Sky rest. Leave Betty’s mum alone. I know the best for Danny and Sky but for now, let them rest a little bit and it shall be well. Let the past remain in the past and focus on the future.”
He also encouraged his congregation to build stronger ties with the church community for support during difficult times: “Be congregants of this church. How many are saying they will be members of this church? Be a member of this place. Befriend the church’s chairman. Be a friend to people who you see at the front, do not die alone. Do not suffer alone in this country.”
Public Reaction to Kanyari’s Message
Social media users welcomed the change in tone:
@Miss : “This is how he should have been speaking from the beginning.”
@Mama Whitney: “Is this real ama ni kujifanya tu, let me hope ako serious.”
@Mvumilivu: “Is this real ama naona zangu.”
@Gracie: “Ama kuna mtu amesikia lawsuit to be file akaogopa.”
@Shanty: “Haiya! Change of tone, your advisor has done well.”
@Betty Owen: “Whoever advised him, may the Lord bless him.”
@Salome Gathungu: “Waambie waachane nao haki, umeongea vizuri.”
@Mary Kutisa: “Umeongea vizuri pastor, Mungu asanti kwa kumguza roho.”
Sky’s Public Support for Stepfather Tash
This development follows Betty Bayo’s daughter, Sky, posting a touching video demonstrating her stepfather Tash’s caring role in the family.
Amid accusations against Tash and calls for custody changes, Sky shared footage of him preparing her younger brother, Danny (Danivictor), for an outing.
In the clip, Danny—wearing a matching orange jersey top and shorts—stands as Tash buttons his shirt, sprays perfume on his vest and neck, applies lotion to his head, massages and brushes it, assists with socks, and adds a final spray under his armpits before asking him to return the items.
Sky captioned it: “Dad getting Danny ready for an outing. Father-son moment.”
The post received largely positive feedback.
BY Geoffrey mbuthia
