NAIROBI – Pastor Victor Kanyari has forcefully responded to public conversations regarding the future of his two children with the late gospel musician Betty Bayo, who passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025. In a statement, the controversial pastor expressed his anguish over what he described as premature and inappropriate discussions about their children's guardianship while the family is still in mourning.

"People have come out, dividing up my children. Their mum is no more, and now they want to take my kids away from me," Kanyari stated, condemning those raising the custody issue while he is still alive and capable of caring for them.

His comments follow an outpouring of national grief after Bayo, born Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, succumbed to acute leukaemia at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi. A family spokesperson confirmed she passed away at 1:03 p.m. EAT on Monday after being transferred from AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road on Friday, November 7, due to complications, including excessive bleeding.

A Celebrated Artist's Life and Legacy

Betty Bayo was a towering figure in Kenya's gospel music scene, renowned for her hit song "11th Hour," which became an anthem of hope for many. Born in Banana, Kiambu County, she was the youngest of eight children and often spoke of her humble beginnings, including dropping out of school in Form Two due to financial hardship before returning to complete her education. This backstory of perseverance deeply resonated with her audience.

Her music, primarily in Kikuyu and Swahili, blended themes of faith with real-life struggles, earning her a loyal following across the country. Beyond her music, Bayo was a mother to two children, Sky Victor and Dani Victor, from her previous relationship with Pastor Kanyari. After their separation, she married Hiram "Tash" Gitau in December 2021.

Kanyari and Bayo's Co-Parenting Relationship

Despite a public and often tumultuous separation years ago, both Kanyari and Bayo had been praised for maintaining a functional co-parenting relationship. Kanyari noted that they communicated effectively on all matters concerning their children, from school fees to health. "She would call me anytime the children were involved... In fact, when we enrolled them in the very expensive school they attend, Betty herself called and asked me to take them there, and I had no problem," he shared.

Following her death, Kanyari posted a heartfelt tribute, promising to continue caring for their children. "Siamini umeenda, mama ya watoto wangu, lakini nakuahidi nitachunga watoto wetu vizuri kuliko hapo mbele," (I can't believe you are gone, mother of my children, but I promise I will take care of our children better than before), he wrote on Facebook.

Kenyan Law on Child Custody

The public discussion on the children's future brings into focus the legal framework for guardianship in Kenya. According to the Children Act, 2022, when one parent dies, the surviving parent automatically becomes the legal guardian of the child or children, either alone or jointly with a guardian who may have been appointed by the deceased parent in a will. The court would only intervene to appoint another guardian if the surviving parent is deemed unfit or if they object to a guardian appointed in a will. In this context, as the surviving biological parent, Pastor Kanyari holds primary parental responsibility by law.

National Mourning

The news of Bayo's death has shocked the nation, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow artists, and political leaders, including President William Ruto. Many have lauded her contribution to the gospel industry and her resilience in the face of public scrutiny. Her daughter, Sky Victor, was seen being comforted by Kanyari at the hospital, a poignant image capturing the family's profound loss. The family has announced that Bayo's body has been moved to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital Mortuary as funeral arrangements commence.