Who Should Raise the Kids? Kanyari’s Leaked Messages with Betty Bayo Divide Kenyans

Pastor Victor Kanyari is currently facing public scrutiny after leaking another set of WhatsApp chats detailing conversations with his late ex-wife, Betty Bayo.

The revelation comes in the wake of Bayo's death from leukaemia on 10 November, followed by her burial at her Mugumo Estate home on 20 November. The funeral attracted politicians, fans, and friends from across the country.

The national focus has since shifted to the well-being of the couple's two children, with an ongoing public debate about who should be their primary caregiver: their biological father, Pastor Kanyari, or Bayo’s husband, Hiram Gitau, commonly known as Tash.

Online opinions are sharply divided. Some users contend that the children, who appear 'closer' to Tash, should remain with him due to his active day-to-day presence. Conversely, others maintain that the children should live with their biological father.

Betty Bayo’s Requests: School Fees and UK Travel

The newly leaked screenshots provide insight into the financial and logistical demands of their co-parenting arrangement.

One of the chats showed Betty Bayo requesting Kanyari's support for medical expenses for their daughter and KSh 8,000 for their son’s school fees.

A more elaborate request was for a UK visa application. Betty asked for KSh 40,000 and KSh 20,000 (£350 and £150), attaching a poster for a UK summer camp their daughter was scheduled to attend, which had a total cost exceeding KSh 450,000. The chat read: "Total cost in pounds. This is urgent. Ticket in June." Betty later confirmed that she had received the funds.

On 24 May, she also messaged her ex-husband, requesting critical documentation for their daughter's travel: "I need these two documents urgently for Sky's UK visit. Your passport photo and 6 months' bank statement," she wrote. In these particular messages, Kanyari did not appear to respond.

Co-Parenting Dynamics Revealed

The preacher has been consistently leaking past conversations to social media, leading followers to wonder if he is attempting to prove a point about the nature of his relationship with Bayo.

In previous leaks, the final exchange between the two showed Betty Bayo wishing him a happy and long life.

Another thread detailed Betty's gratitude towards Kanyari for his involvement: "Thanks for taking Danny to a new school. He is so happy."

In a separate instance, Kanyari initiated contact, asking to spend time with his children: "Hi afternoon. I want to take the children on Saturday; confirm." Bayo replied, directing him to contact the children directly as he had their numbers: "You have their phone call them mpangane [arrange]."

The late musician also notified him about school fee arrears, attaching a notice that read: "Dear parents, kindly take note of the below to clear an outstanding fee balance of Ksh.54,875/=. Kindly make payment by June 2023, as the student will not be allowed to access the school facility for any outstanding fee after the said term break. Please find the attached statements for your reference."

ALSO READ: I’m Sorry My Drama Put You Through Difficult Moments - Kanyari Apologizes to Bayo

In yet another screenshot, Bayo reminded him of the KSh 50,000 their daughter needed for acting school. After he sent the money, she shared a heartfelt thank you for his consistent support: "Thanks received. Thanks for being there for your daughter. One day she will surprise you."

While previous leaked chats highlighted Kanyari’s lack of response to Bayo, these later conversations suggest a functioning, albeit financially demanding, co-parenting dynamic.

Netizens React to the Leaks

Kenyans have widely reacted to the shared screenshots, with many focusing on the practicality and reality of co-parenting.

Here is what they had to say:

• Muhia Wa Maingi: "Ukitaka kukuwa safe as a baby daddy, weka receipts [If you want to be safe as a baby daddy, keep receipts]."

• Marion Ngareh: "One minute we are rude, the next minute we are thanking baby daddy for showing up. Kumbe it rains everywhere."

• Martha Odira: "I love how Bayo was straight and clear Mpangane [Arrange]."

• Ess Carey: "Co parenting was okay, but it's always better to use the co- parenting. App...wale wanatambua co-parenting App hallooooo."

• Faith Kivuva: "Let the two fathers continue co-parenting they loved each other be4 the death of their wife may God give you wisdom during this difficult time."