What began as a church sermon has quickly become one of the most talked-about entertainment stories online after Pastor Victor Kanyari publicly renewed his custody dispute with Hiram Gitau, popularly known as Tash, accusing him of preventing him from seeing his biological children.

Standing before his congregation, Kanyari delivered an emotional address that blended preaching with personal grievances, openly questioning why he continues to face obstacles in accessing Sky and Danny, the two children he shares with the late gospel singer Betty Bayo.

The sermon, which has since spread widely across social media platforms, saw the controversial preacher insist that no one should stand between a father and his children. According to Kanyari, his fight is not driven by bitterness but by his desire to remain actively involved in the lives of his son and daughter.

“I am their biological father,” Kanyari said as he questioned why he allegedly has to struggle to spend time with them.

The preacher also directed pointed remarks at Tash, urging him to focus on building his own family rather than raising another man’s children. He maintained that he was ready and willing to shoulder his parental responsibilities, arguing that the children deserved a relationship with their biological father.

The latest outburst marks a dramatic turn in a story that has remained in the public spotlight since the death of Betty Bayo. Immediately after the singer’s passing, Kanyari had struck a conciliatory tone, saying he was prepared to allow the children to remain with Tash as the family mourned.

At the time, he explained that he wanted to avoid creating additional emotional strain during an already painful period and suggested that maintaining stability for the children was more important than engaging in a public custody fight.

Months later, however, that position appears to have changed.

In his latest sermon, Kanyari suggested that attempts to resolve the matter privately had failed, prompting him to raise the issue publicly. He claimed he has experienced difficulties communicating with Tash and believes his role as the children’s father is not being respected.

The remarks have once again thrust the family into the centre of public debate, with clips from the sermon circulating widely on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X. Thousands of users have weighed in, with opinions sharply divided.

Some social media users have argued that biological parenthood gives Kanyari every right to seek greater involvement in the children’s upbringing, while others have praised Tash for the role he has played in raising them over the years and urged that the children’s welfare remain the priority.

Tash, who married Betty Bayo after her separation from Kanyari, became a constant presence in the children’s lives during his marriage to the late singer. Publicly shared family moments over the years portrayed him as an active father figure, a role many of his supporters say should not be overlooked.

Despite the growing online debate, Tash has not publicly responded to Kanyari’s latest sermon or the renewed criticism directed at him. Neither has either side indicated that the dispute has been taken before a court.

For now, what began as a deeply personal family matter continues to unfold in public, with sermons, social media discussions and emotional appeals keeping the custody debate firmly in the national conversation as many await Tash’s response.