Kanyari’s bestie TikToker Kawira defends Tash, warns people against tarnishing his name
Kenyan TikTok content creator and close friend of Pastor Victor Kanyari, Ann Kawira, has spoken out in defence of Betty Bayo’s widower, Hiram Gitau, popularly known as Tash, following renewed criticism from members of the late singer’s family and social media users.
Speaking in a TikTok live on Monday, December 8, 2025, a day after Betty Bayo’s mum publicly questioned Tash’s suitability to care for the late singer’s children, Kawira condemned the attacks, describing them as motivated by financial interest rather than genuine concern.
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She asserted that Tash had consistently acted as a loving father figure to the children and urged Kenyans to refrain from casting aspersions on his character.
“Everyone is now criticising Tash. Give the man peace of mind. He was the best father, I mean stepfather, and those who have come out to speak now are only after money. Even Betty’s brother, I am sure, spoke because he wanted to benefit financially. Family matters often become complicated when money is involved; without money, family love can seem absent,” she said while struggling to speak in English.
Kawira highlighted that family disputes often intensify around money, claiming that Tash’s refusal to share his personal funds with certain family members had triggered the backlash.
She recommended that all inheritance and funds related to Betty Bayo be placed under the children’s names to avoid further conflict, rather than under the control of Tash, Betty’s mother, or her brother.
“My take on this situation is that Tash has refused to share his money with them, which is why they are coming out bitterly now. Why did they never speak before about Betty being allegedly mistreated but only after her burial? Everyone wants to benefit in their own way. I believe that all funds should be placed in an account under the children’s names, not under Betty’s mother, her brother, or Tash himself,” Kawira said.
She highlighted the deep bond the late singer’s children shared with Tash, pointing out that their comfort in calling him “dad” speaks volumes against claims that he had ever harmed their mother.
Kawira also stated that, although Tash may not have been paying the children’s school fees, people should understand that money is not everything, and his fatherly support was more than sufficient.
“Tash has always been there for the children, and they have experienced his emotional love. Even if reports suggest he did not pay for school fees, which Kanyari covered, he still gave them the love of a father. Stop tarnishing his name. Sky and Danny, the children, still call him dad, which would not happen if the allegations against him were true,’ she added.
Next of kin
Her comments came shortly after Betty Bayo’s mother, Joyce Wairimu Mbugua, insisted that she was the only legally recognised next of kin regarding her late daughter’s property.
Speaking during a Facebook live session on December 6, 2025, with Shiru Wa Oakland, she revealed that she had provided identification to facilitate burial arrangements but was concerned about Tash being listed as the next of kin on official documents, including the death certificate.
She stressed that all legal documentation should reflect her status as the legitimate next of kin and questioned whether Tash was fit to reside in the family home with the children.
“And regarding the father of the kids, who is Kanyari, I don’t have a problem with him; we are usually on good terms. However, I wonder why the burial permit was issued in Tash’s name and not mine. I want it changed to my name, Joyce Wairimu Mbugua,” she said.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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