Pastor Kanyari Responds To Criticism Of Óverdoing Mourning Of Betty

Pastor Victor Kanyari, founder of Salvation Healing Ministries, has addressed public speculation that he has been mourning the death of his ex-wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo, more dramatically than her widower, Hiram Gitau (Tash).

Speaking in a Facebook Live session on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, Kanyari dismissed the claims as unfounded competition, emphasizing that his emotional display is simply a reflection of his personality.

“So when people say that Kanyari is crying and mourning more than Tash, everyone has their own way of expressing grief,” Kanyari clarified. “I am a very emotional person, and when I cry, it comes naturally, no one can control that.”

Deep Respect for Tash and Co-Parenting

Kanyari went on to praise Tash, revealing that he was instrumental in connecting Kanyari to the man who ultimately stepped in to care for his two children with Betty, Sky and Dani, after their separation.

The preacher expressed profound gratitude for Tash’s role as a dedicated father figure: “Betty Bayo is actually the reason I got to know Tash. If it were not for Tash, maybe even my children would have faced challenges, but I respect Tash because he has been taking care of Sky and Dany.”

Kanyari confirmed that he and Tash maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship. While he continued to support the children financially—stating he has “financial statements showing how I have been supporting my children”—he credited Tash and Betty for the consistent, day-to-day care.

“Sometimes I would visit, pick them up, and later return them,” he said. “That is why I give credit to Tash and his family, and I mourn together with him.”

The pastor concluded by framing his grief not as a spectacle, but as genuine sorrow for a person who played a major role in his life and who, through her actions, facilitated a healthy environment for their children.