- Pastor Kanyari is back in the spotlight after a resurfaced TikTok video clashed with recent footage of him comforting his daughter, Sky, after the death of his ex-wife, Betty Bayo.
- The video, showing Kanyari in a controversial live session earlier this year, has reignited debate online, sparking outrage and sympathy from different quarters.
- Kanyari, who has a history of scandals, is now under fire once again, with some questioning his actions and others defending his fatherly bond.
Kenya’s controversial preacher, Pastor Victor Kanyari, has found himself back in the spotlight as an old TikTok video resurfaces at a time of deep personal loss. The footage, recorded earlier this year, shows Kanyari in a disturbing live session where many accuse him of inappropriate behaviour, triggering an uproar across social media.
The resurfaced video clashes with a fresh emotional moment where Kanyari was filmed comforting his daughter, Sky, just days after the untimely passing of his ex-wife, gospel singer Betty Bayo. The conflicting imagery of a man engaged in self-indulgence versus the tender, fatherly figure caring for his daughter has divided opinions online.
The video, originally deleted after it caused outrage earlier in the year, shows Kanyari in a live TikTok session, allegedly engaged in self-pleasure while in his church’s ministry backdrop. The incident caused an uproar, with many viewers pointing out the hypocrisy of a man of God engaging in such behaviour. Kanyari, known for his past scandals, including fake miracle busts and a 2014 cash-for-blessings scandal, denied the allegations, calling them “deepfake devilry.”
However, the clip was scrubbed from social media platforms, leaving many to wonder if the deletion was an admission of guilt.
The resurrection of this video comes at a sensitive time for Kanyari, as his ex-wife’s sudden passing due to what is rumoured to be leukaemia has left their two children grieving. The video of Kanyari cradling Sky in an emotional embrace has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his fatherly role during a time of grief, while others have questioned the appropriateness of the gesture.
One concerned netizen tweeted, “How does a man who akinyonga on live now play protector? Sky needs therapy, not trauma.” This criticism has been echoed by several women’s groups on Facebook, calling the father-daughter moment “boundary-blurring,” given Kanyari’s history.
Despite the backlash, some defenders of Kanyari have rallied to his side, framing the video as a testament to his love for his daughter during a crisis. A supporter commented, “Victor’s hugging away her pain; haters drag up dirt to deny healing.”
The online conversation continues to be split. Kanyari’s supporters, particularly from his church fellowship at Salvation Healing Ministry, have praised the fatherly bond on display. Sky’s stepdad, businessman Hiram Gitau, even liked the video, signalling a truce within the blended family.
On the other hand, the activist circles on Facebook have pointed out the contrast between Kanyari’s actions in the video and his past. One activist wrote, “From pulpit predator to papa bear? Make it make sense.”
As the public debate rages on, Pastor Kanyari has chosen to remain silent, opting for restraint and letting his proxies speak on his behalf. The silence only amplifies the echoes of the past, with many waiting to see how he will navigate this controversy.
For now, Sky and her family are left to cope with both the personal grief of losing Betty Bayo and the public scrutiny surrounding her father. As the week progresses and Bayo’s memorial approaches, many wonder whether Kanyari will be able to step up in a way that doesn’t reopen old wounds or whether the shadow of his TikTok scandal will overshadow the healing process.
