Pastor Kanyari’s Tribute to Betty Bayo in Heartfelt Letter of Regret, Love and Promise

In an emotional tribute that has touched many across the country, Pastor Victor Kanyari poured out his heart following the passing of his ex-wife, celebrated gospel singer Betty Bayo.

Despite their separation and the public scrutiny that marked their past, Kanyari’s message paints a picture of deep respect, gratitude, and lasting love for the mother of his children.

Reflecting on their journey together, Kanyari recounted the early days of their relationship—an unexpected connection born in the middle of Nairobi’s daily hustles 13 years ago.

He described Betty as “an ever-smiling, tiny, shy young girl whose gentleness could calm even the busiest of days.”

Their bond grew quickly, transforming into a partnership that saw them build a home, share dreams, and ultimately welcome two children who now carry both their spirits.

He vividly remembered the simple house where Betty once lived—humble, warm, and full of hope. Even then, he said, he could already see the big vision she held for her life. One memorable evening over coffee at a city hotel set the foundation for what would become their marriage and young family.

Kanyari noted how becoming parents shaped their lives in profound ways. Their daughter, he said, carries Betty’s beauty and gentleness, while their son has her warmth, humour, and kindness. “That is what love does,” he wrote. “It lives through the children. It never dies.”

Although their marriage faced public turbulence and ultimately came to an end, Kanyari acknowledged Betty’s unwavering commitment to their children. He praised her for never denying them a father or turning their hearts against him, choosing instead to raise them in love.

He also offered a rare apology, expressing remorse for the controversies and drama surrounding his name that affected her life. Despite those challenges, he admired how Betty rose above it all, building her brand, career, and family with grace.

Kanyari described Betty as a hardworking, forgiving, and God-fearing woman whose resilience inspired many. He credited her for raising their children with humility and strength, and for turning pain into purpose.

In a deeply personal vow, Kanyari promised to honour Betty’s legacy by fully stepping up for their children. “I will be present. I will guide them. I will educate them and make sure they reach where you always wanted them to go,” he wrote.

Ending his tribute with a Kikuyu farewell—“Betty… Niwathie naihenya”—Kanyari bid goodbye to the woman he once shared life with, promising that she will forever remain in their hearts.

“Rest well, Mama Danny, Mama Sky. Rest well, my friend. Rest well, until we meet again.”

Pastor Kanyari’s Full Tribute

My tribute to the mother of our children, Betty Bayo

How do I even begin to eulogise Betty…

13 years ago, in the middle of our daily Nairobi hustles, fate allowed our paths to cross.

I met this ever-smiling, tiny, shy young girl whose gentleness could calm even the busiest of days.

We connected instantly, and within weeks, we couldn’t imagine life apart.

We would meet, visit each other, share stories about our dreams, and laugh about our struggles.

I still remember the humble, small house you lived in, simple, warm but full of hope.

But even then, I could already see the big dream in your eyes.

One evening, I invited you for coffee in one of the big hotels in the city, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I was looking for a wife, a companion, a partner, a dreamer, and that is why, within just a few months, we were already living as husband and wife.

We conceived our first child so quickly after knowing each other, and that moment changed everything.

We realised life had become serious, and we stepped into it together.

Before we knew it, we were parents of two charming babies.

Every day when I look at our children, I see you.

I see your face in our daughter’s beauty and your spirit in her gentle ways.

I see myself in her boldness.

In Danny, I see my face but your personality, your softness, your humour, your warmth.

That is what love does. It lives through the children. It never dies.

Even though our journey had its fair share of ups and downs, I know the love you had for our children spoke volumes about how much I mattered in your life.

You never denied them a father.

You never poisoned their hearts.

Instead, you centred them in love.

I used to joke with you whenever the children visited me, telling you, “Mimi ndio niko.”

Of course, it was always on a lighter note, because deep down, I respected the decision you made when you chose to move on with your life.

I remember how we both trended years back… You had your story and I had mine.

I am truly sorry that my brand, my name, and my drama put you through difficult moments.

Yet even after all that, you rose.

You overcame. And we would still laugh about it, saying your brand grew even bigger despite everything.

Betty, you were a hardworking woman.

A forgiving soul.

A loving mother.

A true friend.

And above all, a woman who loved God with all her heart.

You built your life with grace.

You raised our children with humility.

You forgave more than most people ever could.

And you showed the world that pain does not have to destroy you; you can use it as fuel to climb higher.

If there is one thing that pains me deeply, it is knowing that I might have failed you in many ways.

But today, I make a promise, a promise before God, before your spirit, before our families.

I will not fail our lovely children.

I will step up.

I will be present.

I will guide them.

I will educate them and make sure they reach where you always wanted them to go, with the help of God.

You may be gone from this world, but you will never be gone from our hearts. Your laughter, your strength, your voice, your dreams, they will live on in our children forever.

Betty… Niwathie naihenya.

Rest well, Mama Danny, Mama Sky.

Rest well, my friend

Rest well, until we meet again.