Pastor Kanyari: Tash is not a bad person
By Steve Ireri, December 18, 2025Salvation Healing Ministry founder pastor Victor Kanyari has publicly defended his ex-wife Betty Bayo’s widower, Hiram Gitau, also known as Tash, amid ongoing disputes raised by Betty’s mother, Joyce Wairimu Mbugua.
Speaking during a press interview on Thursday, December 18, 2025, Kanyari stated that he refuses to speak negatively about Tash because he does not view him as a bad person, despite the controversy surrounding the late singer’s property and family matters.
“The reason I cannot speak widely about Betty Bayo’s mother’s claims regarding Tash and those developments is that I do not want to be the type of person hurling shade at him,” Kanyari said.
The preacher explained that he cannot comment extensively on Betty Bayo’s mother’s claims, but emphasised that he does not wish to hurl shade at Tash.
He revealed that he has never observed behaviour from Tash that reflects poorly on his character, which he cited as the key reason for his refusal to speak negatively about him.
“I do not want to speak badly about Tash because I do not see him as a bad person. I have never observed his behaviour reflect that of a bad person in any way, and that is the key reason why I refuse to speak negatively about him,” Kanyari shared.
Serious concerns
The pastor’s defence comes amid serious concerns previously raised by Betty Bayo’s mother.
Joyce Wairimu Mbugua, speaking during a live with Shiru Wa Oakland on Saturday, December 6, 2025, insisted that she is the only legally recognised next of kin to her late daughter and repeatedly warned Tash against assuming ownership of any of Bayo’s property or belongings.
She publicly questioned his suitability to reside in the family home with the children, citing safety concerns, and demanded that her grandchildren be relocated to a safer environment under her guidance.
“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.
Joyce also raised concerns over official documentation, stating that the burial permit for Betty Bayo had been issued in Tash’s name rather than hers, which she described as incorrect and misleading.
She insisted that all official documents, including the death certificate, should reflect her status as the legitimate next of kin.
“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.