Pastor Kanyari reveals he first met Betty Bayo after her performance at his church
By Steve Ireri, February 27, 2026Salvation Healing Ministries founder Pastor Victor Kanyari has revealed the story of how he first met his late wife, revered gospel singer Betty Bayo, saying it all happened when she came to perform inside his church.
Speaking in a special service held to gift motorbikes to congregants on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Kanyari explained that he personally reached out to her after another well-known singer declined an invitation to perform.
He said that left him in need of someone to fill the slot for the church service.
“So when I was dating my wife, I remember that the first time we met and got to know each other was in church. She came and sang for my church members and me, and I was the one who had invited her,” he said.
Pastor Kanyari revealed that he agreed to pay her Ksh30,000 for the performance and that she delivered an impressive rendition of her song “11th Hour”.
“I remember I used to pay her Ksh30,000 for every performance. After that performance, we met properly,” Kanyari added.
After the service, Betty Bayo left in a hurry, prompting Pastor Kanyari to follow up with her later to finalise payment arrangements.
He explained that she preferred cash and provided details of the hotel where she was staying, where he met her to hand over the agreed payment.
He shared that after that initial meeting, they spent time together, which eventually led to their romantic relationship.
“I recall that there was a very famous singer who had been invited to perform, but the singer turned down the invitation. After getting frustrated, I asked Betty Bayo if she could come and perform, and she agreed. I had not known her before that. We talked about the deal, and I asked her how much she would charge. She said Ksh30,000, and I said that was fine,” the preacher added.
He also highlighted the significance of Betty Bayo’s talent, explaining that her performance had impressed both him and his congregation, leaving a lasting impression that marked the beginning of their personal connection.
“She came and sang a very good song, the one called ‘11th Hour’. After the service, she was in a hurry and left quickly, but I had to call her later to introduce myself properly. When I called her, I asked whether I should pay her via M-Pesa or cash, and she said cash and gave me details of the hotel she was in so I could go and give it to her. After that, we spent some time together, and our love affair started immediately,” he explained.