Kanyari unveils 90 million war-chest for custody battle for his and Betty Bayo’s kids

Weeks after the death of gospel singer Betty Bayo, her former husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari, has said he is now ready to fully take up responsibility for their two children.

Betty died on Monday, November 10, while receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia. Her passing sparked widespread public debate over the future of her children, Sky and Danivictor, particularly over whether they should remain with their stepfather, Hiram Gitau alias Tash, or move in with their biological father.

Since her death, the children have continued living at the Edenville home with Tash, who had been raising them alongside their late mother.

Kanyari Explains His Silence

Addressing congregants during a recent sermon at Salvation Healing Ministries, Pastor Kanyari explained that his decision to previously hold back was intentional and rooted in a desire to maintain peace.

He acknowledged that both he and Tash have played fatherly roles in the children’s lives, saying he did not want to escalate emotions during an already painful period.

“There is the father who sired them and the one who raised them. We are two fathers,” Kanyari said. “That is why I did not rush. I am not a violent person. If I wanted conflict, I would have gone there with people and demanded my children. But I did not want war.”

He added that his focus had been on ensuring calm and stability for the children as the family mourned Betty’s death.

Plans for a New Home

During the same sermon, Kanyari revealed that he has secured a residence in Runda, where he plans to live with the children alongside Betty’s sister.

He told the congregation that the house, valued at about KSh 91 million, is fully processed and ready for occupation.

“I have bought a house so that the children can live there together with Betty’s sister,” he said. “The house was going for around KSh 90 million. All the documentation is complete. I think this week I may take them and stay with them. I will raise them.”

Questions Over Custody Process

Despite the announcement, Kanyari did not clarify how the custody transition would be handled or whether legal procedures would be followed.

This has left the public awaiting clarity on whether consultations will take place between Kanyari, Tash, and Betty’s extended family before any changes are made.

Mixed Online Reactions

Kanyari’s remarks triggered varied reactions online, with netizens sharing differing views on what they believe is in the best interest of the children.

Some urged patience and emotional sensitivity, arguing that the children need time to grieve, while others insisted that Kanyari, as their biological father, should step in fully.

Why the Debate Continues

The custody debate intensified after Betty’s mother publicly questioned the children remaining under Tash’s care. She called on Pastor Kanyari to take responsibility and urged authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Betty’s death, alleging that her burial was rushed.

The situation has continued to attract national attention, with family members, church leaders and online commentators weighing in.

So far, no official custody arrangement has been confirmed, and both families are yet to publicly outline an agreed way forward for Sky and Danivictor.