Carolyne DeMathew, the widow of late Mũgithi superstar John DeMathew, has firmly rejected an apology from controversial preacher Victor Kanyari, escalating a dispute that has captured public attention. The feud erupted after Kanyari, in a sermon about his own family matters, made disparaging remarks about the lifestyle of one of DeMathew's widows.

The controversy began during a sermon at his church where Pastor Kanyari was addressing the public debate over the custody of his children with his late ex-wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo. He questioned why his situation was contentious, comparing it to the aftermath of John DeMathew's death, and suggested one of the musician's widows was living a lifestyle unfit for children.

These comments provoked a swift response from Carolyne DeMathew, who took to social media to challenge the preacher. “Prophet Kanyari, what are you asking from my children and me? I have left it to God to deal with you,” she wrote, prompting Kanyari to issue a public apology for his “inappropriate” words.

An Apology Unaccepted

Despite the preacher's public expression of regret, Carolyne dismissed it entirely. She explained that any negative mention of the DeMathew name directly harms her and her children's well-being and livelihood.

“I work like a donkey to make ends meet, and then Prophet Kanyari, for you to come and tarnish my name on social media, that has really broken me,” she stated, refuting any claims of impropriety. She emphasized that the damage to her reputation, which is her source of income, was too severe to be absolved by a simple apology. “You have tarnished my name and brand because that is what gives me my daily bread. Apology not accepted,” she concluded.

A History of Public Scrutiny

Pastor Kanyari is no stranger to controversy, having faced public scrutiny for years, most notably for a scandal that led to his separation from Betty Bayo in 2015. His recent sermons have focused heavily on his desire to be a present father to his children following Bayo's passing from leukemia in November 2025.

The public spat has raised questions about the boundaries of public commentary, especially when it involves grieving families. While Kanyari’s initial sermon was intended to address his own parental rights, it has instead entangled a respected musician's family in an unwelcome public drama, leaving a private family's grief at the center of a storm.