Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has openly discussed his personal health struggles. The revelation came as he delivered an emotional tribute to his close friend, the late Frank Ireri.
Kenyatta, who served as Kenya’s fourth president, disclosed that he has been battling cancer. His honest admission occurred during the memorial service for Mr Ireri.
The Farewell to Frank Ireri
Frank Ireri, the former Managing Director of the Housing Finance Company of Kenya (HFCK), passed away on October 28, 2025. He was 63 years old.
During the service, Mr Kenyatta described Ireri as a significant source of encouragement and strength. This support was vital over the past year, especially as the former president faced his own personal and health challenges.
Mr Kenyatta spoke directly about the comfort Ireri offered. He noted that Ireri had more life experience and would always guide him on dealing with difficulties.
“In the last year and a good part of this year, whenever we met, he was very encouraging about some of the challenges we were going through.”
The former President recalled a particularly touching moment. He remembered the late financier holding his hand and telling him not to worry.
Battling Personal Challenges
While eulogising his friend, Mr Kenyatta linked Ireri’s guidance directly to his own ongoing fight. He stated that some people close to him are still engaged in health battles.
The former president offered a message of faith and persistence to those present. He acknowledged the finality of Ireri’s death but noted that others must continue their struggles.
“Those of us who have those challenges, we’ll continue fighting with them. But equally, when it is God’s time, we shall join him and be thankful for the life that we lived and the times that we share together.”
He added that they trust in God when facing these difficult realities.
A Source of counsel
Mr Kenyatta stressed that he would miss Ireri’s counsel deeply. He appreciated the way his friend guided them. Ireri helped many to look at and handle challenges, whether related to life, health, or other issues.
He recalled Ireri’s assurance: “He really held our hand and told us don’t worry things will come to pass. It will go. We trust in God. We believe”.
The public reaction to the announcement has been strong. Many Kenyans have commended Mr Kenyatta for his honesty. His courage in sharing such a personal journey while mourning a friend has drawn widespread admiration and concern.
In a moment of levity during the emotional tribute, Mr Kenyatta shared a separate, humorous anecdote.
He spoke of a friend who once called him from police custody after an alcohol blow operation. The friend was seeking presidential help to be released after a night of consuming “uji and tea”.
However, the core focus of the moving tribute remained the painful reality of health challenges and loss.
by moses sagwe
