Pastor Victor Kanyari has spoken out about the heartbreak of discovering that his ex-wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo, had been battling a serious illness only after she had passed away. Speaking emotionally during a press conference on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the preacher revealed that he was never informed of her condition until it was too late.
“Tuache kucheza na legacy ya Betty Bayo. Mimi, hakuna mtu alinitafuta. Betty Bayo amegonjeka two weeks na sikuambiwa; nobody told me. Kama ningeambiwa, ningepigana usiku na mchana, lakini sikuambiwa; nimeambiwa wakati amefariki. Na ndo maana niko so emotional, ndo maana niko na uchungu,” Kanyari said tearfully.
The pastor explained that learning about her illness after her death made the loss even more painful. He insisted that had he known earlier, he would have fought tirelessly to help her recover.
“Kama ningeambiwa, ningepigana usiku na mchana, lakini sikuambiwa, nimeambiwa wakati amefariki. Na ndo maana niko so emotional, ndo maana niko na uchungu. Sitaki kuongelea; niko na uchungu. Ningambiwa akiwa hospitali. Kama ningeambiwa, singekuwa na uchungu ambayo niko nayo. Wengine hawako emotional kwa sababu walimuona akiwa katika process ya kugonjeka. Mimi sikumuona katika process ya kugonjeka; nimeonyeshwa akiwa amefariki,” he added.
Betty Bayo reportedly succumbed to blood cancer on Monday, November 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy in the gospel music industry and two children she shared with Kanyari.
How Was Pastor Kanyari’s Relationship With Betty Bayo After Separation?
Addressing public speculation about his relationship with Bayo, Pastor Kanyari clarified that despite their separation, he never stopped caring for her. He emphasized that he respected boundaries, knowing she had moved on with her life.
“Wale wanasema Pastor Kanyari hakuwa anapenda Betty Bayo, nilimpenda, lakini nilimpenda nikijua ako na mume wake. Kwa hivo katika upande wangu kulikuwa na mipaka. Na mimi sikumuacha Betty Bayo. No, yeye ndiye aliniacha. Betty Bayo ndo aliamka asubuhi moja akaniambia the relationship is over. Nikaheshimu hiyo, na hata baada ya hayo nikaendelea kumsupport na kuongea naye kwa simu,” he shared.
Kanyari recalled that even after their split, they often kept in touch, sharing lighthearted conversations. “Tulikuwa tunaongea na Betty Bayo hata 30 minutes na tunacheka, hata alikuwa ananiita Baba Sky, lakini nilikuwa na mipaka nikijua ni bibi ya mtu,” he said.
What Message Did Kanyari Share in His Tribute to Betty Bayo?
In his emotional tribute on the day of her passing, the Salvation Healing Ministry founder expressed profound sadness and regret, saying that losing someone who had once been a major part of his life left a void that words could not fill.
“It hurts in ways I can’t explain. You left before I could say everything I needed to. I still see you in every laugh our children give, in every little habit that reminds me of you,” Kanyari wrote in his tribute.
He concluded with a touching farewell: “So sad. R.I.P. Mama Sky…The mother to my kids.”
Pastor Kanyari’s emotional words have since struck a chord with many Kenyans, reflecting the deep pain of loss and the lasting bond of shared memories despite separation.
By Risper Akinyi