Controversial televangelist Pastor Victor Kanyari has hit back at his critics, defending his decision to share private messages between himself and his late ex-wife, Betty Bayo, arguing he did so to prove he was actively involved in their children’s lives.
The founder of the Salvation Healing Ministry used a church service on Sunday, December 14, 2025, to address the mounting online pressure he has faced since Bayo’s death, particularly concerning the custody of their two children, Sky and Danny.
Kanyari revealed that he is now the target of a vicious online campaign from the same people who once condemned him, ironically demanding that he take full control of the children.
The man of cloth was forced to address the intense scrutiny he faced for sharing screenshots of their exchanges shortly after Betty Bayo’s passing, a move many followers found distasteful.
He claimed his preemptive move was necessary, given his public profile and the history of criticism leveled against him.
Kanyari feared that if he hadn’t produced evidence of their communication, people would later accuse him of negligence.
“Sometimes watu hawanielewangi [Sometimes people don’t understand me],” Kanyari explained to his congregation.
“Juzi walisema mbona anaweka message kwa Facebook kwa vitu alikuwa akifanya nikasema siwezi kosa kuweka kwa sababu mtasema sikuwa nafanya maana mimi najua wanadamu.”
Essentially, the pastor believed the digital record was his shield against future accusations that he was an absent or uncaring father.
Despite being under constant fire, Kanyari insisted that he is observing the situation and avoiding a public spat over custody.
“Kanyari anapiganwa vita 24 hours ata sahizi TikTokers and Facebookers wananipiga vita wanasema mbona hachukui watoto wake? endea watoto wako Kanyari maana wanataka kuanza kupambana na mimi kwa vita na mimi nanyamaza na waangalia,” he declared, claiming he is choosing silence over public confrontation.
He further gave a glimpse into his interactions with his children, revealing a recent, highly expensive shopping trip.
“Nimekuwa na watoto wangu, on Thursday, walinipigia simu ati hawana nguo za kuvaa, lakini wako nazo ni vile wanataka nguo zengine, juu mimi sipendi mambo mengi tulienda shopping na nikawanunulia nguo za Ksh78 thousand,” he added, detailing the Ksh78,000 (roughly $500) he spent on their new wardrobe.
The admission highlights the complex, high-stakes relationship between the controversial pastor and his children, played out against the backdrop of intense public judgment.
