Pastor Victor Kanyari has once again ignited a national conversation after releasing more private WhatsApp chats he exchanged with his late ex-partner, gospel singer Betty Bayo. The messages, which he continues to post even after her passing, have split public opinion and raised questions about privacy, parenting, and intention.
Betty Bayo died on November 10 from leukaemia and was buried on November 20 at her home in Mugumo Estate. As Kenyans mourn her, the focus has shifted to the couple’s two children and the growing debate over who should raise them, between their biological father, Kanyari, or Betty’s husband, Hiram Gitau, known as Tash.
The leaked chats provide a raw look into the couple’s co-parenting life.
In one message, Betty asked Kanyari to help with their daughter’s medical bills and KSh 8,000 for their son’s school fees. She sent the request plainly, attaching details of what needed to be paid.
Another exchange showed an even bigger financial need. Betty asked for KSh 40,000 and KSh 20,000 for a UK visa application for their daughter. She sent a poster for a UK summer camp costing over KSh 450,000 and wrote, “Total cost in pounds. This is urgent. Ticket in June.” She later confirmed she received the money.
On May 24, she urgently requested documents needed for their daughter’s travel, telling him:
“I need these two documents urgently for Sky’s UK visit. Your passport photo and 6 months’ bank statement.”
In that instance, Kanyari did not appear to respond.
Other chats show moments of appreciation. Betty thanked him after he moved their son to a new school, telling him the boy was happy. She also reminded him of overdue school fees and attached a notice warning that their daughter would be blocked from attending school if the KSh 54,875 balance was not cleared.
In another screenshot, she asked for KSh 50,000 for their daughter’s acting school. After he sent the money, she replied warmly:
“Thanks received. Thanks for being there for your daughter. One day she will surprise you.”
There were also messages from Kanyari asking to see the children:
“Hi afternoon. I want to take the children on Saturday; confirm.”
Betty told him to call them directly since they had their own phones:
“You have their phone. Call them, mpangane.”
The chats show a mix of cooperation, silence, and requests for money. Some people think Kanyari is proving he supported his children, while others feel sharing the messages after Betty’s death is insensitive and hurtful, especially for the grieving children.
By Vivian K.