Pastor Victor Kanyari has spoken out to address persistent questions over why his two children are yet to move in with him following the death of his former wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo.
Since Betty’s passing, the preacher has been under intense public scrutiny, with many Kenyans questioning why the children — Sky Victor and Danivictor — are still living with their stepfather, Hiram Gitau, popularly known as Tash. The debate has played out loudly on social media, with critics urging Kanyari to take full custody.
‘I Am Still Present in Their Lives’
Kanyari insists the situation is more complex than it appears online. While the children are not living with him full-time, he maintains that he remains actively involved in their lives.
He has frequently shared moments of spending time with them, taking them out and offering emotional support as they continue to process the loss of their mother.
Claims of Political Motives Addressed
As pressure mounted, some members of Betty’s family publicly encouraged him to take the children in, fuelling speculation about what might be causing the delay.
Among the claims circulating online were suggestions that Kanyari was hesitant because of alleged political ambitions ahead of the next general election.
Speaking during a recent church service, the outspoken preacher firmly dismissed those claims.
“There are people saying I have not taken my children because I want a political seat,” he told his congregation. “I do not want any seat. Do not elect me. I do not want it.”
‘How Can I Be a Coward?’
Kanyari also pushed back against online critics who have labelled him a coward for not immediately assuming custody.
“My children are here in Kiambu. How can I be a coward when I know exactly where they are?” he posed. “If I wanted to take them, who would stop me? They are my children.”
He added that he had already announced plans to take custody and insisted that constant criticism does not affect him, claiming it often ends up working in his favour.
Public Reaction Remains Divided
His remarks reignited debate online, with many Kenyans still closely watching how and when the custody arrangement will change.
Some expressed concern for his mental wellbeing, while others defended his role as a father.
One user commented, “Is Baba okay? We need to check on him,” while another wrote, “Betty was wise. She separated the role of a partner and a father.”
Co-Parenting with Betty Bayo Before Her Death
Kanyari has remained a regular topic of online discussion since Betty’s death in November. The gospel singer, known for 11th Hour, died after battling a serious form of blood cancer.
Following her passing, questions immediately arose about who would take over full-time care of the children, given that Betty had remarried and was living with Tash at the time of her death.
Leaked Chats Show Their Arrangement
Amid claims that he abandoned his parental responsibilities after separating from Betty, Kanyari previously shared screenshots of M-Pesa transactions and WhatsApp conversations to show that he financially supported the children and stayed involved.
He later leaked additional chats between himself and the late singer, which he said were meant to demonstrate how peacefully they co-parented despite their separation.
In one message, Betty wrote, “Are you free ukujie watoto this weekend? They have missed you, please confirm.” Kanyari responded promptly, agreeing to pick them up.
‘My Children Give Me Strength’
In a separate emotional post, Kanyari reflected on how fatherhood has helped him cope with the loss.
“There are days when the weight of life feels too heavy,” he wrote. “In those moments, I look at Sky and Danny and remember why I must keep going.”
By Geoffrey mbuthia
