The long-running discussion over who—between Pastor Victor Kanyari and Hiram “Tash” Gitau—should take care of the late Betty Bayo’s children appears to have reached a conclusion.

After days of public speculation, Kanyari has now clarified who will be living with the children in the wake of their mother’s passing.

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An audio clip recently leaked online in which Kanyari was heard expressing concerns about Tash allegedly wanting full custody.

The clip sparked a heated online debate, with many Kenyans urging the two men to find a peaceful co-parenting arrangement.

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Kanyari Explains Why the Children Will Stay With Tash

Speaking at his Nairobi church on Sunday, 23 November, the preacher openly addressed the issue. He explained that he had chosen to allow Tash to stay with the children because he understood the pain he was in after losing his wife.

“I know he is hurting… he is mourning. And the people who can give him a bit of comfort right now are the children,” he said, adding that he had no intention of fighting over custody. “I just want to remain a good person. I have seen people fight for wives and kids, but I don’t want that.”

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

From Left to Right: Pastor Kanyari's daughter Sky Victor, with Hiram Gitau and Victor Kanyari//Instagram

Private Conversations About the Children’s Welfare

Kanyari added that he and Tash had held candid conversations about what would happen to the children after Bayo’s death.

He recalled encouraging Tash to remain calm during the funeral preparations, and reassured him that he could keep the children for the time being.

“Whenever I was near him, he would ask me, ‘What about the children?’ and I told him, ‘Let them stay with you.’ We wanted to give Bayo a peaceful and honourable send-off,” he said.

Public Reactions to Kanyari’s Decision

Kenyans online reacted strongly to Kanyari’s remarks, praising the maturity both men were showing during a painful transition. Some commended Tash’s quiet strength, noting that his silence throughout the ordeal had earned public respect. Others encouraged the two to prioritise peace for the sake of the children.

Comments ranged from admiration—“Maturity on another level”—to calls for continued calm and cooperation: “I hope you co-parent in peace; that is all I pray for.”

Kanyari Shares Screenshots to Counter Claims of Being an Absent Father

Separately, Kanyari released another screenshot of a past WhatsApp conversation with his daughter, Sky Victor. In recent days, he has been sharing various screenshots to counter claims that he was an absent parent.

The evidence includes chats about school fees, uniforms, braces, and other necessities. The preacher has insisted that he was always present in his children’s lives, even though they did not live with him after his separation from Bayo.

Sky Victor with her late mother Betty Bayo//Instagram

Insight Into His Relationship With His Daughter, Sky

In one screenshot from October 2023, Sky thanked her father for supporting her education, describing him as “the best” and “the father anyone could ask for.”

Two weeks later, another message showed her informing him that she had closed school for mid-term and was ready to visit him.

Since Bayo’s passing, Kanyari has stated that he does not want distance between him and his children, and that he intends to remain active in their lives regardless of the current living arrangements.