Pastor Victor Kanyari has found himself at the centre of an online storm after leaking past WhatsApp conversations with his late ex-wife, Betty Bayo.

The controversial move comes shortly after Kanyari publicly declared his intention to fight for full custody of their two children, Sky and Dani. Following Betty’s passing, questions arose regarding who would care for the children, who had been living with the singer and her husband, Tash.

Kanyari, keen to prove his involvement in their lives, released the private messages to demonstrate his financial contributions. However, the reaction from the public has not been what he likely expected.

The preacher has been vocal about his readiness to take the children in. He recently criticised those suggesting the children should be taken away from him, insisting he has always been a responsible father.

To back up his claims, Kanyari posted screenshots of various requests made by Betty over the years. The messages show the late gospel singer asking for funds to cover school fees, clothing, and other essentials.

Some of the requests seen in the screenshots included:

A request for KSh 98,000 for private transport as the children returned to school.

a photo of shoes with a request for KSh 3,500 to purchase them for their son.

A reminder that Dani needed a new school uniform because his current ones were torn.

“Morning, the kids are back to school. Please send KSh 98,000 for private transport.” — Text message from the late Betty Bayo.

While the screenshots confirmed that Betty asked for support, observant Kenyans online quickly pointed out a glaring detail, Kanyari’s lack of response.

Throughout the leaked thread, Betty’s texts often went unanswered. In some instances, she had to send reminders for the same request, suggesting he had either forgotten or ignored the initial message.

Social media users noted that there were no written replies from Kanyari in the screenshots, nor did he acknowledge a missed voice call visible in the chat log. This silence has fuelled criticism, with many questioning the nature of their co-parenting dynamic if communication was this one-sided.

Furthermore, many found the timing of the leak distasteful. Releasing private financial discussions before the singer has even been laid to rest was seen by many as disrespectful to her memory.

The drama unfolds against a backdrop of deep mourning for the music industry. Betty Bayo passed away on 10 November at Kenyatta National Hospital after a battle with stage four acute myeloid leukaemia.

Her family revealed that the illness progressed rapidly.