NAIROBI — Barely a month after the nation lowered gospel powerhouse Betty Bayo into her grave, the solemn silence of mourning has been shattered by a cacophony of bitter accusations, legal threats, and a custody battle that has spilled messily onto social media.

What began as a tragedy—the untimely death of the 11th Hour hitmaker on November 10—has metastasized into a public war between her biological family and her widower, Hiram "Tash" Gitau. Now, veteran gospel singer Loise Kim has stepped into the fray, not to take sides, but to issue a sombre warning to a family tearing itself apart in the public eye.

The Voice of Reason

"Battles could have been easy," Kim remarked, a cryptic but heavy statement that has resonated across the gospel fraternity. Her intervention comes as the dispute shifts from private grief to potential criminal investigation.

Kim’s sentiment reflects a growing fatigue among fans and friends who have watched the saga unfold on TikTok and Facebook Live rather than in private family meetings. Her plea suggests that the escalation—involving police, politicians, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)—could have been avoided with transparency and traditional conflict resolution.

Explosive Allegations: "No Marriage, No Ruracio"

The conflict reached a boiling point this week when Betty’s brother, Edward Mbugua, took to TikTok to dismantle the legitimacy of Tash’s marriage to the late singer. In a series of emotionally charged videos, Mbugua alleged that Tash was never legally married to Betty, dismissing their union as "just a celebration" devoid of Kikuyu customary rites.

• The Marriage Question: Mbugua claims no ruracio (dowry) was paid, legally reducing Tash’s status from husband to boyfriend in the eyes of the family.
• The Secrecy: The family alleges they were kept in the dark about the severity of Betty’s illness until it was too late.
• Asset Control: Accusations have surfaced that Tash is withholding critical documents, including Betty’s national ID and death certificate, effectively freezing the family out of her estate.

The Exhumation Demand

While Loise Kim calls for peace, the family is preparing for war. In a twist that has shocked the nation, Betty’s mother, Joyce Mbugua, has reportedly demanded the exhumation of her daughter’s body. Rejecting the official medical report of acute leukemia, she has publicly alleged that her daughter may have succumbed to injuries from domestic violence—a claim that shifts the narrative from medical tragedy to potential homicide.

The family claims that funds meant for Betty’s medical bills and children’s future—including proceeds from two lorries allegedly purchased in the US for approx. KES 16 million—are unaccounted for.

Kanyari’s Unexpected Role

In the middle of this storm stands Pastor Victor Kanyari, Betty’s controversial ex-husband and the biological father of her two children, Sky and Danny. In a move that has surprised his critics, Kanyari has adopted the role of the statesman.

"Tumskize (Let us listen to her)," Kanyari urged Tash, advising the widower to respect the wishes of a grieving mother. While he has refrained from attacking Tash directly, Kanyari has made it clear he is ready to assume full custody of his children, recently seen treating them to a lavish lunch in Nairobi—a public display of stability amidst the chaos.

As the DCI begins to circle and lawyers draft papers, Loise Kim’s words hang in the air—a reminder that in the war for assets and vindication, the biggest casualties are often the legacy of the departed and the peace of the children left behind.