The fragile truce holding the family of the late gospel sensation Betty Bayo together appears to be fracturing. More than a month after the singer’s untimely death on November 10, her ex-husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari, has publicly signaled his intent to assume full custody of their two children.

This development threatens to escalate into a high-stakes domestic dispute, pitting the biological father against the children’s stepfather, Hiram Gitau, popularly known as Tash, who has been their primary guardian in recent weeks.

The Battle for Edenville

Since Bayo’s passing, the children—Sky and Danivictor—have remained at the family’s residence in Edenville, a leafy suburb along Kiambu Road, under the care of Tash. However, the arrangement has reportedly unsettled sections of the extended family.

Kanyari, known for his flamboyant presence in Nairobi’s religious circles, broke his silence with a brief but loaded declaration regarding his children: “Nitawalea” (I will raise them). The statement, though terse, suggests a move to uproot the minors from their current environment.

Observers note that this is not merely an emotional plea but a potential legal pivot. Under Kenyan law, while the surviving spouse often retains custody, the biological parent’s rights are paramount if the welfare of the minors is contested.

A Grandmother’s Intervention

The custody narrative has been complicated by the intervention of Betty Bayo’s mother. Sources close to the family indicate that the matriarch has thrown her weight behind Kanyari, expressing unease regarding the children's continued stay with their stepfather.

• Safety Concerns: The grandmother has allegedly cited unspecified safety concerns under the current guardianship.
• Biological Ties: She has emphasized the need for the children to return to their "blood" lineage following their mother's demise.
• Emotional Toll: Kanyari recently noted, "I see their tears," suggesting he believes the children are not coping well in their current setting.

The Human Cost

Beyond the celebrity headlines, the situation highlights the complex reality of blended families in Kenya. For the children, the loss of a mother is now compounded by the uncertainty of their living arrangements. While Tash has maintained a dignified silence, maintaining the home he shared with Bayo, the pressure from the biological family is mounting.

As the family navigates this grief, the priority remains the psychological stability of Sky and Danivictor. Whether this transition happens through a quiet family agreement or a bruising court battle remains to be seen.