Pastor Victor Kanyari has finally spoken about who will take care of his children following the death of their mother, Betty Bayo, who had been living with her husband Tash. A leaked audio clip about the matter has sparked public debate over the children’s custody.
The audio, which surfaced shortly after Betty Bayo’s burial, captured Kanyari discussing claims that Bayo’s husband, Hiram “Tash” Gitau, wanted full custody of the two children. The recording went viral, drawing mixed reactions and calls for co-parenting.
During his Sunday service on November 23 in Nairobi, Kanyari addressed the matter openly. He explained that he understood Tash was grieving and emotionally overwhelmed after losing his wife. Because of this, he decided not to fight over the children.
Kanyari said he had allowed Tash to stay with the kids for now. He noted that the children might offer Tash comfort during this difficult time, and he did not want to add more drama to an already painful situation.
“I know he is hurt,” Kanyari said. “She was his wife. He is mourning, and maybe the people who can comfort him are my children. I don’t want to fight. I just want to remain a good person.”
He added that the two men had spoken privately after Bayo’s death. Tash had asked him what would happen to the children, and Kanyari told him to stay with them. He explained that he wanted Bayo to have a peaceful send-off without conflict.
Kanyari also briefly reflected on his history with Betty Bayo.
How Kanyari and Betty Bayo First Met
During the same service, Kanyari opened up about how he first met Bayo, offering a personal tribute to her life.
He said he had invited singer Dennis Mutara to perform at his church, but Mutara declined. Pastor Rose then suggested bringing in Betty Bayo, whose song “11th Hour” was very popular at the time. She called Bayo, who agreed to perform for a fee of KSh 30,000.
After performing, Bayo left, but the payment he tried to send her failed. She told him she was at Ambassador Hotel having tea, so he went to meet her. They ended up talking for hours. During the conversation, she opened up about a past boyfriend who had swindled her and how she had taken legal action.
They talked until 11pm. She then asked him to drop her home. On the way, traffic built up along Kiambu Road. She asked where he lived, and when he said Donholm, she suggested they go to his place instead. She slept in the sitting room, and he slept in the bedroom.
The next day, they spent the whole day together. She stayed over again. A week later, she moved into his home with her clothes. They later held a traditional wedding ceremony.
Their marriage eventually ended after the “310 scandal,” which pushed them apart. Still, Kanyari described her as the best woman he had ever met.
“I’ve never met a great woman like Bayo,” he said. “Ni vile aliniwacha singemuwacha. We will remember you. Sleep well.”
By Vivian K.