Tensions continue to mount online following the death of gospel singer Betty Bayo, with her ex-husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari, appealing for calm and privacy amid a swirling public drama. The controversy intensified after Betty’s brother, Edward Kang’ethe Mbugua, publicly questioned the extent of the family's knowledge about her illness and the nature of her marriage to her widower, Hiram Gitau, known as Tash. Kanyari himself initially faced accusations of bankrolling bloggers to tarnish Tash's name, claims he vehemently denied. Earlier, during a church sermon, Kanyari also expressed concern about his children growing distant since their mother's passing, wondering if they were being influenced.

Adding a new layer to the unfolding saga, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding Betty Bayo's death. This directive came after a formal petition from Betty’s family, led by her mother, Joyce Wairimu Mbugua, demanding an inquest due to what they perceive as suspicious elements. The family alleges that Betty had no known underlying illness prior to her sudden demise and claims they were denied access to critical medical information, including the post-mortem report and treatment records. They also contend that Betty was buried hastily, preventing them from seeking clarity and fueling fears that crucial details may have been concealed.

In a statement issued on Thursday, December 18, the ODPP confirmed receiving the family’s complaint on December 9. It acknowledged that the concerns raised, particularly claims of no underlying health condition and denied access to medical reports, warranted further scrutiny. The ODPP has instructed the DCI to submit a report for review and potential legal action, assuring that the investigation will be independent and lawful. This development has sparked heated debate online, with Kenyans divided between supporting the family's quest for answers and urging them to allow the late singer to rest in peace.

Amid the widespread backlash, Pastor Kanyari has adopted a more conciliatory stance, calling for the public to allow the family space to grieve. He implored social media users to cease attacking Tash, Betty’s children Sky and Danny, and Betty’s mother. Kanyari emphasized that while he believes he knows what is best for his children, the current situation demands patience and healing. He encouraged focusing on the future and leaving the past behind, and also advised his congregants to seek church and community support during difficult times rather than suffering in isolation. This shift in tone garnered mixed but largely positive reactions online, with many praising his newfound approach, though some expressed cautious optimism about its sincerity.

Further emphasizing the evolving family dynamics, Betty Bayo’s daughter, Sky, recently shared a poignant video showcasing her stepfather Tash’s paternal role. The clip depicted Tash attentively preparing Sky’s younger brother, Danny, for an outing, performing various fatherly tasks like buttoning his shirt, applying lotion, brushing his hair, and helping him dress. Sky captioned the video, “Dad getting Danny ready for an outing. Father-son moment,” a post that was widely commended for highlighting Tash's visible care and support amidst ongoing family and custody tensions. This gesture from Sky came shortly before Kanyari’s public plea for peace.

Betty Bayo, celebrated for her soulful Kikuyu gospel music and growing online presence, passed away on November 10 while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. At the time, her family had stated she was battling leukaemia. She was subsequently laid to rest at her family home in Mugumo Estate, Kiambu County. The controversy intensified when Betty’s mother, Joyce Wairimu Mbugua, tearfully recounted a haunting final conversation with her daughter on TikTok. She quoted Betty asking, “Why and who did I leave her with?” and insisted on full transparency, demanding a post-mortem and access to all hospital documents. Wairimu also accused those involved of evading meetings and disregarding the family's concerns in the days leading up to the burial. As the DCI commences its investigation, the nation awaits crucial answers in this gripping case.