Public Debate Over Privacy and Parental Duty

NAIROBI – Controversial pastor Victor Kanyari of Salvation Healing Ministry has sparked a fierce public debate on privacy and parental responsibility after leaking personal WhatsApp conversations and a mobile money transaction receipt involving his late ex-wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo. The posts, shared across his social media platforms on Monday, November 24, 2025, were intended to counter accusations that he was a negligent father.

The central piece of evidence shared was a screenshot of an M-Pesa message showing a payment of KSh 117,500 for his son's school fees. This disclosure came after a series of leaked chats showed messages from Bayo regarding school fees and other needs for their two children, which had drawn criticism from some Kenyans who noted that Kanyari had often left her messages on 'read' without replying.

The Financial Disclosures

The shared M-Pesa transaction indicated that after the payment of KSh 117,500, a balance of KSh 42,638 remained in Kanyari's account, a detail that drew significant attention from the public. In his defence, Kanyari addressed the issue of his un-replied messages during a church service on Sunday, November 23, 2025. He stated, "I never responded to her text messages because I responded with M-Pesa. If she said the kids need money, all I need to do is send it." Further screenshots released by the pastor detailed other financial requests, including KSh 98,000 for private school transport, KSh 3,500 for shoes, and funds for school uniforms. In another exchange from January 2024, the chats revealed discussions about their daughter's school fees, which amounted to KSh 342,000, and a request for KSh 114,000 for her tuition in the United States.

A Complicated History

The relationship between Pastor Kanyari and Betty Bayo has long been a subject of public fascination and scrutiny. The couple, who have two children together, separated around 2015 following a high-profile investigative exposé that accused Kanyari of orchestrating fake miracles and soliciting money from his followers, famously known as the "mbegu ya 310" (seed of 310) scandal. Bayo publicly distanced herself from the controversy and later stated in interviews that she did not consider herself divorced as she was never formally married to the pastor, a claim Kanyari has disputed. Betty Bayo later married Hiram 'Tash' Gitau in a traditional ceremony on December 17, 2021.

Public Reaction and Ethical Questions

The release of the private chats has divided opinion among Kenyans. Many social media users lauded Kanyari for demonstrating his commitment as a father, contrasting him with absentee parents. Supporters argued that he was justified in defending himself against public accusations, especially in the wake of Bayo's recent passing and the emerging discussions about the future custody of their children.

However, a significant number of observers have strongly criticised Kanyari's actions, viewing the leaks as a violation of the late singer's privacy and an act of poor taste. Critics questioned the necessity of publicizing private family financial matters and accused him of seeking social media validation at the expense of his children's dignity and their mother's memory. The incident raises broader ethical questions about the boundaries of social media disclosure, particularly when it involves deceased individuals and the welfare of minors.

The ongoing saga unfolds against the backdrop of Kanyari's recent public declarations to reform his lifestyle to be a more responsible father. During a sermon on November 23, 2025, he announced his intention to purchase a KSh 90 million mansion in Runda to provide a suitable home for his children. This public spectacle of grief, financial disclosure, and pledges of reform continues to fuel a national conversation about the complex intersection of celebrity, religion, and family life in Kenya.