Pastor Victor Kanyari has addressed public scrutiny surrounding his mourning of late gospel singer Betty Bayo, insisting that his sorrow is rooted in love, loss, and cherished family memories, not for publicity.
Betty Bayo, renowned for her hit “Eleventh Hour”, passed away on November 10 after a battle with acute myeloid leukaemia. Following her death, Kanyari posted a heartfelt video on social media, explaining the depth of his grief and clarifying his intentions.
Kanyari Speaks on Social Media Criticism
In the video, Kanyari reflected on his heartbreak, expressing regret that he had not known about Betty’s illness sooner. “I’ll forever maintain the joy our kids had while you were with us. I still can’t believe that right now I must say RIP to your every post,” he shared.
Addressing his critics, he said, “Mambo ambayo yanaendelea social media hayanifurahishi. My heart is bleeding kwa sababu kwa culture yetu hatufai kuongelelea mtu ambaye amekufa.” He emphasized that Betty was a special part of his life, stating, “Betty Bayo was everything. Ningeambiwa nitoe hata billions of shillings, ningetafuta nitoe kwa ajili ya Betty, lakini Mungu alimpenda zaidi na akamchukua.”
Respecting Betty’s Family
Kanyari also praised Betty’s husband, Tash Gitau, for caring for their children. “Betty alifanya nijue huyo mzee anaitwa Tash na ninamuheshimu kwa sababu ameniangalilia Danny. Mimi nimetoa mamilioni kwa sababu ya watoto wangu lakini Tash na Betty walihishi nao, na ninampa heshima,” he said.
He dismissed claims that his mourning overshadowed Tash, noting that grief is personal. “Wakati watu wanasema namourn sana kushinda Tash, kila mtu anakuanga na style yake ya kumourn na emotions zake. Namumourn sana kwa sababu mimi sikujua akigonjeka,” Kanyari explained.
Complex Grief and Family Bonds
Despite their past separation, Kanyari revealed that he and Betty remained on good terms, with no animosity after she remarried. Their relationship, which began in the early 2010s, produced two children, Sky and Danny. Kanyari continues to play an active role in their lives, maintaining his commitment to parenting while respecting Betty’s marriage to Tash Gitau.
The video received mixed reactions online. Some praised Kanyari’s openness about grief, while others questioned the timing of his posts, noting he had rarely spoken publicly about Betty while she was alive.
Kanyari’s message underscores the complexities of mourning, the varied ways people process loss, and the enduring bonds formed within blended families. His heartfelt response reflects both his deep connection to Betty and his dedication to their children’s wellbeing.
