Pastor Victor Kanyari has broken his silence, asking Hiram “Tash” Gitau to respect the wishes of Bayo’s mother as tensions rise following the gospel singer’s death.
In a video released on Monday, Kanyari said he had deliberately stayed silent but felt compelled to respond after hearing the emotional plea from Betty’s mother, who asked him to take custody of the two children he shares with the late gospel singer.
“I have been staying quiet and observing things for myself. I am very touched by what that woman is going through; it has touched me. I would like to ask Tash to listen to her wishes so that you may not get a curse from the one who passed away or her as a mother,” Kanyari said.
“Just listen to her, people might want to underestimate her, but I would never forget that she was her only child who was supporting her. Even I, as Kanyari, will listen to her, even if they are my kids. Tash, let’s just respect her, she is almost 70+ years old,” he continued.
Kanyari suggested that Betty and Tash had been separated for months before her health deteriorated, adding that he (Kanyari) was not interested in Betty’s property and only wanted peace and the well-being of everyone involved.
His comments mark the first time he has publicly addressed the dispute that erupted following Betty’s death.
Betty passed away on November 10 while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Shortly after her burial, Betty’s brother Edward Kang’ethe Mbugua claimed the family learned of her illness only when it was too late.
Her mother later questioned Tash’s role in Betty’s life, saying he had never formally married her daughter.
She also raised concerns about the children’s environment and appealed directly to Kanyari to step in.
The tensions have placed Kanyari and Tash at the centre of a delicate situation, yet both men have maintained a respectful tone toward each other, as fans and the online community watch closely.