Tears and Tributes: Betty Bayo’s Husband Hiram Gitau Speaks

The late gospel singer Betty Bayo’s memorial service at her Eden Ville home was marked by raw emotion and unity as both her husband, Hiram Gitau, popularly known as Tash, and her ex-husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari, shared heartfelt reflections about the woman they both deeply loved.

Tash’s Emotional Tribute

Surrounded by family, friends, and members of the gospel fraternity, Tash stood before the mourners to express his gratitude for the overwhelming support his family had received since Betty’s passing.

The memorial, hosted by comedian Terence Creative, saw close friends and celebrities gather to celebrate the singer’s life and comfort her grieving family.

“How are you guys? I am Tash, Bayo’s husband. This is home, and you are welcome,” he said softly. “I want to thank you for praying for us and being with us. The support you have given us is immense. We used to live here with my departed wife, and I have my kids here who will only say hi. These are my kids; we lived here with Bayo as a family. It was a shock, and they will not speak today.”

Social media users later praised Tash’s composure and humility, commending the love and respect he showed toward his late wife. Many noted how he handled the tragedy with grace, even drawing comparisons to Pastor Kanyari, who was also present.

Kanyari Speaks on His Relationship with Tash

In a rare moment of solidarity, Pastor Victor Kanyari, Betty’s ex-husband and father of her children Sky and Danny, also opened up about his feelings and his relationship with Tash.

Speaking to Obidan Dela, Kanyari dismissed claims of animosity, revealing that both men have maintained a respectful relationship for the sake of the children.

“They are working together. I do not know why some people are saying this and others that, but we should support both parties. They have both lost someone who was very dear to them,” he said.

Kanyari also revealed that Sky affectionately calls Tash ‘daddy’, a gesture he fully respects.

“I have no problem with that. I love my children, and I continue to support them. What matters is that they feel loved and secure,” he added.

A Father’s Grief

Since Betty’s passing on November 11 from acute myeloid leukaemia, Kanyari has been open about his grief. Witnesses described him as visibly shaken at Kenyatta National Hospital, and later, breaking down when Betty’s body was moved to Kenyatta University Funeral Home.

During a press briefing the following day, he revealed that he had been unaware of her illness until it was too late.

“It is very painful for me. Yesterday I did not sleep; I had nightmares of Betty more than three times. Every time I fell asleep, I would dream that my child was asking me where their mum was. I slept with a disturbed conscience.”

The pastor admitted that accepting Betty’s death has been nearly impossible.

“I even think she has not truly died. When I see her in photos, I feel like she is still alive. Other people might forget her, but I shall never forget the mother of my kids, and my kids will never forget her.”

Bound by Loss, United by Love

Despite the complicated past between them, both Tash and Kanyari now share one unbreakable bond — their grief for Betty Bayo.

In his closing words, Kanyari asked for continued prayers for himself, Betty’s children, her mother, and her husband, Tash, as they navigate this heartbreaking chapter.

“We all need God’s strength. She was loved, and she will be remembered forever.”

Even in death, Betty Bayo’s life continues to unite those she once called family — a testament to her enduring spirit and the love she left behind.