Pastor Kanyari explains why he seems to be mourning more than Betty Bayo's husband Tash

Pastor Kanyari Explains Why He Seems to Be Mourning More Than Betty Bayo’s Husband Tash

The passing of gospel artist Betty Bayo has stirred emotions across Kenya’s Christian community, but none more visibly than her ex-husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari. His public grief has drawn attention and even criticism, with many questioning why he appears to be mourning more intensely than Bayo’s widower, Tash.

In response, Pastor Kanyari has offered a heartfelt explanation that sheds light on his emotional state and his enduring connection to the late singer.

Speaking at a press conference, Kanyari described himself as an emotional person who struggles to contain his feelings. He revealed that he only learned of Betty’s battle with blood cancer after her death, a revelation that left him devastated. Unlike others who had the chance to visit her during her illness and find closure, Kanyari was denied that opportunity. He lamented that if he had been informed earlier, he might have offered support or at least prepared himself for the loss. This lack of closure, he explained, is what makes his mourning appear louder and more intense.

Kanyari also reflected on his past relationship with Betty, admitting that despite their separation, he never stopped loving her. He recounted how they maintained communication even after their marriage ended, often speaking on the phone for long periods and sharing laughter. He emphasized that he respected her marriage to Tash and kept boundaries, but his affection for her never faded. This enduring bond, he suggested, explains why her death has hit him so hard.

In addressing critics, Kanyari insisted that mourning is deeply personal and varies from one individual to another. He expressed respect for Tash as Betty’s husband and the man who cared for their children, but maintained that his own grief is genuine and rooted in his unique emotional connection to Betty. His words highlighted the complexity of human relationships, where love and attachment can persist even after formal ties are severed.

The episode underscores broader themes about grief and its expression. Public mourning often invites scrutiny, yet it remains a profoundly individual experience shaped by personal history, emotional temperament, and circumstances surrounding loss.

For Pastor Kanyari, the absence of closure and the lingering affection for his former wife have combined to produce a grief that is both raw and conspicuous.

Ultimately, his explanation is a reminder that grief cannot be measured or compared. While some may find his mourning unusual, it reflects the depth of his personal journey with Betty Bayo, a journey that, despite its end in separation, was marked by enduring love and emotional connection.