Over the past few days, there’s been a lot of talk about who should take care of the late Betty Bayo’s children: Pastor Victor Kanyari or her widower, Hiram “Tash” Gitau. After much public speculation, Kanyari has now cleared the air, and it seems they’ve reached a peaceful understanding.
In a message delivered at his Nairobi church on Sunday, 23 November, 2025, Pastor Kanyari explained that he’s allowing Tash to live with the children. He said he made that decision because he recognizes how deeply Tash is hurting.
“He’s mourning,” Kanyari said, “and right now, the children are one of the few sources of comfort for him.” He also emphasized that he never intended to wage a custody battle.
Instead, he just wants to remain “a good person”, someone who doesn’t contribute to conflict at a time when everyone is already in pain.
Kanyari shared that he and Tash have had honest conversations about what should happen with the kids now that Betty is gone. He recalled that during the funeral planning, whenever Tash would ask, “What about the children?” he’d reassure him, “Let them stay with you.” Their shared priority, he said, was to give Betty a dignified farewell.
Online, many Kenyans responded positively to Kanyari’s remarks. They praised both men for showing maturity, even amid grief. Some highlighted how quietly strong Tash has been, while others called on them to keep putting the children’s well‑being first.
Kanyari also addressed criticisms and speculation about his own role as a father. He shared screenshots of old WhatsApp conversations with Betty, including messages about school fees, uniforms, braces, and other everyday things.
In one chat from October 2023, Sky thanks him for supporting her education and even calls him “the best” father she could ask for. A couple of weeks later, she writes to say she’s closed school for midterm and is ready to visit him; proof, according to him, that he’s never been absent.
Now that Betty is gone, Kanyari says he doesn’t want any distance between him and his children. Even though they’ll stay with Tash for now, he intends to stay a constant presence in their lives.
