Sky Victor says she wants to remain with her late mother’s husband, Hiram ‘Tash’ Gitau, as the family’s custody dispute draws renewed public attention.
Sky Victor, daughter of the late gospel singer Betty Bayo, has publicly expressed opposition to a reported court ruling granting her biological father, Pastor Victor Kanyari, custody of her and her younger brother, Danny.
In an emotional Live broadcast on Tuesday, 27 October, Sky said she was distressed by the decision and wanted to remain with her stepfather, Hiram Gitau, popularly known as Tash, with whom she and her brother had been living following their mother’s death.
According to reports by Kenyan media outlets, Sky said the ruling had affected both children emotionally, adding that she had struggled to sleep as her younger brother cried over the situation.
She appealed to Kenyans to listen to the children’s wishes, expressing concern about leaving the home they had shared with their late mother.
A family dispute following a loss
The dispute follows the death of Betty Bayo in November 2025. Bayo had two children with Kanyari before their relationship ended and later married Gitau.
Following her death, questions arose over the children’s care and living arrangements, bringing Kanyari and Gitau into a public dispute over their welfare.
Kanyari has previously raised concerns about the children’s welfare, including school fees and access to them, while Sky has publicly credited Gitau with providing care and stability during difficult periods in the family’s life.
In her latest remarks, Sky also defended her late mother against what she perceived as an unfair portrayal of Bayo’s character and priorities.
What does the law say about a child’s wishes?
Kenya’s Children Act, 2022, requires courts making custody decisions to consider several factors, including the child’s ascertainable wishes, taking into account their evolving capacity, the circumstances of siblings, the possibility of harm and, above all, the child’s best interests.
This means a child’s wishes are relevant to the court’s assessment, but they are considered alongside other circumstances rather than automatically determining the outcome.
The legal question is therefore not simply which parent or caregiver a child prefers, but what arrangement best safeguards the child’s welfare, safety, stability and development.
A call for a child-centred approach
Sky’s public appeal has renewed discussion about children’s participation in decisions affecting their lives, particularly following the death of a parent.
The case also raises questions about how families can protect children from the emotional burden of adult disputes and public scrutiny while ensuring that their concerns are heard through appropriate legal and child-protection channels.
The specific terms and reasoning of the reported court ruling, including how the children’s views were assessed, should be confirmed from the court record before further conclusions are drawn.
As the dispute continues, the priority remains the welfare of Sky and Danny, their right to be heard and their need for a safe and stable environment in which to grieve and grow.
For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!
Add Comment