PASTOR KANYARI MOURNS THE DEATH OF EX- WIFE BETTY BAYO

Controversial preacher Pastor Victor Kanyari has spoken out for the first time following the sudden death of his ex-wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo, expressing deep sorrow and regret over not knowing about her illness before she passed away.

Speaking in a subdued and emotional tone, Kanyari revealed that he only learned of Betty’s death through social media, saying no one informed him that she had been unwell.

“I didn’t know Betty was sick. Nobody told me anything. I just heard about her death like everyone else. It really hurt me because she was the mother of my children,” Kanyari said.

He lamented that those close to the late gospel star failed to reach out or involve him during her illness. According to him, their separation did not erase the bond they shared as parents to their children.

“If I had known she was sick, I would have prayed for her, supported her, and encouraged her. We had our differences in the past, but Betty remained part of my life because of our children,” he added.

“I just want people to let her rest in peace. We had our past, but I will always remember her as a strong woman and the mother of my kids,” Kanyari continued , urging Kenyans to stop reviving stories about their troubled marriage. He affirmed that he still holds deep respect for Betty’s strength and resilience.

Kanyari also disclosed that despite their breakup, he and Betty maintained a respectful friendship over the years, often communicating and co-parenting peacefully.

“She’s the mother of my children, and I’ll always love her for that. Even after we broke up, we kept talking. She would call me, and we’d talk for half an hour, laughing — but always respecting her husband,” he said.

“I respected Tash. And our good relationship existed because of Betty. That won’t change, even now,” Kanyari added, expressing a respectful tone towards Betty's husband.

As preparations for Betty’s burial continue, Kanyari appealed for calm and unity among family members and fans, urging them to avoid unnecessary drama around custody or inheritance issues.

“Let people stop dividing my kids. What we need right now is love, not fights,” he pleaded.

Betty Bayo, who rose to fame through hit gospel songs such as the 11th Hour and Elewa , passed away on November 10 at the Kenyatta National Hospital ( Nairobi) - diagnosed with acute lukemia, a form of blood cancer. Her death has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s gospel music fraternity, with fans and fellow artists remembering her as a powerful voice and a woman of strong faith.

The family has asked for privacy as they prepare to lay the singer to rest.