Pastor Kanyari asks for custody of his children ahead of Betty Bayo’s burial
By David Nthua, November 19, 2025Salvation Healing Ministry’s presiding pastor, Victor Kanyari, has come out to request that he be given custody of his children, who were left behind by the late musician Betty Bayo.
His tone has been calm and open, as he has tried to address concerns raised online following Bayo’s passing.
Flanked by well-known TikToker Obidan Dela on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the pastor has brushed off claims that he will not be able to care for the children.
He has insisted that his desire to take them in is sincere and grounded in love.
Kanyari explains his desire
Speaking ahead of Betty Bayo’s burial, Kanyari has shared that fatherhood and marriage are two very different roles.
He has said that even if people may judge him harshly as a former husband, they should not question his commitment as a father.
“I am a good father. I may not be a good husband, but I am a good father,” he has said during a Facebook Live session.
He added that paying school fees and ensuring the children have never lacked are signs of his responsibility.
“Sky na Danny nawapenda, na wataishi maisha mazuri kuliko yenye walikua wanakaa,” he has said, expressing confidence that he can raise them well.
Kanyari has also emphasised that he cannot give out money to strangers online while his own children suffer.
His statement has been a response to those who claim he may not be financially ready to take care of them.
“Si mnaona sijakua na drama? Watu wananiingilia nikiwa nimenyamaza,” he has said, noting that despite criticisms, there are still Kenyans who defend him.
He explained that this is why he has occasionally supported people online, saying he does it to appreciate those who stand with him.
His message ahead of Bayo’s send-off
The pastor has further asked Kenyans to appreciate him for stepping forward to care for the children.
He said that in many cases, when a single mother dies, the ex-husband does not always show up with kindness, but he has chosen to do the opposite.
“I miss Betty Bayo for everything,” he has shared softly. He recalled a heartfelt message she once sent him, wishing him a long life so he could see their children grow.
He said the loss is painful, but he has accepted it with grace.
Kanyari and Obidan Dela have ended their Facebook session by urging Kenyans of goodwill to attend Bayo’s burial at Nduberi Stadium.
They have said the singer deserves a dignified and love-filled sendoff.
By the time this story was published, several Kikuyu musicians and celebrities, including Karangu Muraya and Wanja Nyarari, had been holding a candle lighting ceremony at Betty Bayo’s home in Kiambu.