An emotional family dispute has taken another dramatic turn after Danny, the teenage son of the late gospel singer Betty Bayo, publicly explained why he does not want to live with his biological father, Pastor Victor Kanyari.
In an emotional video that has since attracted widespread attention online, Danny opened up about his concerns regarding his father, insisting that although he respects him, he believes he would be better off living with his late mother’s widower, Hiram Gitau, popularly known as Tash.
Danny’s heartbreaking revelation comes amid an ongoing custody dispute following a court ruling that determined the children’s living arrangements in favour of Kanyari, despite the children having previously lived with Tash after their mother’s death.
Speaking candidly, Danny made it clear that his preference was not based on a lack of respect for his biological father. Instead, he pointed to what he described as troubling experiences that have influenced his decision.
Danny Makes Disturbing Allegations Against His Biological Father
In the viral video, Danny alleged that alcohol consumption was among his major concerns about living with Kanyari.
The teenager claimed that he had witnessed situations in which his father consumed alcohol and became intoxicated. He also made allegations of physical violence, claiming that Kanyari had assaulted people, including his mother and employees.
“My baba drinks, he gets drunk. My mum, we used to live with him,” Danny said while explaining some of the experiences that have shaped his feelings about his biological father.
The teenager further alleged that he had personally been beaten, although he indicated that he had not understood what had happened at the time.
Explaining why he would rather remain with Tash, Danny said there were numerous reasons behind his decision.
“There are so many reasons why I want to live with my stepdad. My biological father, I respect him, but he’s just not fit. He’s not fit to be a parent,” he stated.
His words have triggered emotional reactions among Kenyans, with many expressing sympathy for the teenager and calling for his wishes and welfare to receive serious consideration in the ongoing custody dispute.
However, the allegations made in the video remain Danny’s account of his experiences and should not be treated as independently established findings against Kanyari.
Sky Also Breaks Her Silence, Appeals to Kenyans for Help
Danny’s emotional revelations came shortly after his elder sister, Sky Victor, also publicly expressed her distress over the custody ruling.
During an emotional Facebook Live session, Sky appealed to Kenyans for support, saying the court’s decision had left her deeply troubled and unable to sleep.
She also claimed that her younger brother had been crying over the situation, highlighting the emotional toll the dispute has reportedly taken on the children.
“I am asking for your help because this is not fair. We went to court, and the ruling was so unfair that I am not comfortable with it,” Sky said.
“I am crying out for help. I have not been able to sleep, and Danny has been crying. This is really not fair.”
Her appeal has added another emotional dimension to the dispute, placing the children’s wishes and emotional well-being at the centre of public discussion.
The siblings’ statements have also renewed questions about how their preferences are considered when courts determine where children should live following the death of a parent.
How Betty Bayo’s Death Sparked the Custody Dispute
The dispute follows the death of Betty Bayo in November 2025 after she battled acute myeloid leukaemia.
Before her death, the gospel singer had separated from Kanyari and later married Tash, with whom she was living alongside her children.
Following her passing, questions emerged over who should take responsibility for Danny and Sky and where they should live.
Kanyari subsequently raised concerns about the children’s welfare, including claims that school fees had gone unpaid and that Sky had been sent home from school.
He also alleged that Tash had restricted his access to the children.
The disagreement eventually escalated into a legal battle, with the Children’s Court called upon to determine the children’s living arrangements.
Before the latest developments, reports indicated that the children preferred to remain with Tash, the man who had been living with them and helping raise them during their mother’s later years.
The court’s ruling has now brought those competing interests into sharp focus, particularly following the children’s public expressions of distress.
What Kenyan Law Says About a Child Who Refuses to Live With a Biological Parent
Under Kenya’s Children Act, 2022, the best interests of the child are a primary consideration in decisions affecting children.
Section 8 of the Act sets out the principle of the best interests of the child, while Section 10 provides for a child’s right to express their views in matters affecting them, with those views receiving appropriate consideration according to their age and maturity.
This means that a child’s wishes can be an important factor in custody proceedings, especially where an older child can clearly explain their concerns and preferences.
However, a child’s stated preference does not automatically determine the outcome of a custody case.
The court must consider the broader circumstances, including the child’s safety, emotional well-being, education, stability, relationships with caregivers and any relevant evidence presented by the parties.
A surviving biological parent does not automatically lose parental responsibility because a child prefers to live with a stepparent. Equally, biological parenthood alone does not mean that a court must disregard evidence concerning a child’s welfare.
Depending on the circumstances, the court may consider professional assessments, reports from children’s officers and other relevant evidence before determining the appropriate living arrangements.
Tash’s position would therefore depend on the applicable legal framework, the evidence before the court and any orders already issued.
If a party believes that a custody decision does not adequately protect the children’s interests, any challenge must follow the appropriate legal procedures. Public appeals and social media reactions do not, by themselves, overturn a court order.
Kenyans React as the Children’s Future Hangs in the Balance
The emotional statements from Danny and Sky have reignited public debate over the difficult decisions families face after the death of a parent.
For many observers, the most troubling aspect of the dispute is the reported emotional distress expressed by the children, who have now found themselves at the centre of a highly publicised disagreement between adults who have played significant roles in their lives.
The situation has also highlighted the delicate balance between a biological parent’s rights and the need to protect children’s emotional security, particularly when they have already experienced the loss of a mother.
As the controversy continues, attention is increasingly focused on whether the children’s concerns will receive further consideration through the appropriate legal channels.
Ultimately, the central question is not simply whether Danny and Sky should live with their biological father or their late mother’s widower. It is whether the final arrangements will safeguard their welfare, provide emotional stability and allow them to continue growing up in a safe and supportive environment.
For Danny and Sky, the loss of their mother was already a devastating experience. Their public appeals have now exposed the additional emotional strain they say they are facing as the custody dispute unfolds.
Their story has become a reminder that, in family disputes involving children, the most important consideration should remain the children’s best interests, dignity and long-term well-being.
