Pastor Victor Kanyari has ignited a fresh family storm, alleging his children have turned "hostile" toward him in the wake of gospel singer Betty Bayo’s tragic passing.

The revelation complicates an already delicate custody standoff between the controversial preacher and the children’s stepfather, Hiram Gitau (popularly known as Tash), raising uncomfortable questions about the welfare of the minors amidst intense public scrutiny.

Allegations of 'Coaching'

Speaking to his congregation on Sunday, December 14, Kanyari painted a picture of a fractured relationship with his two children, Sky Victor and Danivictor. While the preacher has recently been seen sharing meals with the minors, he claims their demeanor shifts dramatically away from the cameras.

Kanyari suggested that the children’s coldness might not be natural grief, but rather the result of external influence. "Sijui kama ni kufunzwa (I don't know if they are being coached)," he told congregants, insinuating that their current environment with Tash might be poisoning their perception of their biological father.

The children have been residing with Tash since their mother’s death, a stability that Kanyari is now actively challenging. The preacher’s comments come just days after he publicly vowed, "Nitawalea" (I will raise them), signaling his intent to seek full custody.

The Guardianship Standoff

The dispute highlights a complex legal and emotional reality often faced by Kenyan families following the death of a custodial parent. While Kanyari is the biological father, the children’s established bond with their stepfather creates a gray area in both family law and social ethics.

• The Incumbent: Tash has been the primary father figure in the household prior to Bayo's death.
• The Challenger: Kanyari argues that as the biological father, the responsibility of raising Sky and Danivictor falls to him.
• The Stake: The emotional stability of two minors already grappling with the loss of their mother.

Observers note that while Kanyari has increased his public appearances with the children—including a recent high-profile lunch date—the alleged hostility suggests the transition may be far more turbulent behind closed doors than on social media feeds.

As the family navigates this profound loss, the focus remains on whether the adults can prioritize the children's mental health over public posturing. For now, the fate of Sky and Danivictor hangs in the balance between two fathers.