Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has offered what appears to be the clearest hint yet about his own battle with illness, subtly revealing that he has faced personal health challenges while eulogising his longtime friend and banker Frank Ireri, who succumbed to cancer.
Speaking emotionally during Ireri’s funeral service on Friday, October 31, the former Head of State reflected on their close friendship, their shared experiences, and the guidance Ireri provided him during what he described as “difficult personal challenges.”
“I do not know whether I should say this, but these are the realities of life,” Uhuru told mourners. “For the better part of last year and this year, he was very encouraging about the challenges we were going through. Since he had more experience than us, he was very encouraging in guiding and telling us how to handle such issues.”
Uhuru’s remarks — though careful and measured — appeared to confirm long-standing rumours that he has been battling a serious illness. The former president did not explicitly name the condition, but his words strongly suggested he has been contending with health struggles similar to those that afflicted his late friend.
A Friendship Forged in Adversity
The late Frank Ireri, a respected banker and former Managing Director of Housing Finance, was remembered by the former president as a dependable friend and confidant. Uhuru described Ireri as a man of faith, discipline, and encouragement — someone who offered both moral and emotional support during his own difficult moments.
“I will miss that counsel,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I will appreciate everything he guided us towards, and how he really held our hand and told us not to worry — that all this will come to pass.”
In what many interpreted as an acknowledgment of his continuing health battle, Uhuru also expressed a philosophical acceptance of life’s fragility.
“The reason Frank is lying here is because it is his time,” he added. “Those who have those challenges, we will continue fighting with them, but equally, when it is God’s time, we shall join him and be thankful for the life we lived and the times we shared.”
Rumours Over Health
Speculation over the former president’s health has circulated for months, dating back to early 2024, when he noticeably reduced his public appearances and political activities. His rare outings, often marked by a visibly thinner frame and a clean-shaven head, sparked speculation that he might be undergoing chemotherapy or other medical treatments.
At one point, his limited engagements and occasional shortness of breath during speeches drew widespread public concern and online debate.
However, several members of his close political circle dismissed the reports, describing them as malicious rumours aimed at tarnishing his image.
Jubilee Party communication official Pauline Njoroge was among those who came to his defence, at one time terming the reports “fictional and ill-intentioned gossip.”
A Gradual Return to Public Life
In recent months, Uhuru Kenyatta has made a gradual return to public life, leading party meetings and attending national events.
Notably, he presided over the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference (NDC) earlier this year, where he delivered a lengthy, energetic speech that appeared to reassure his supporters about his recovery and wellbeing.
Observers have since noted that his tone and public demeanour have improved markedly, with renewed confidence and vitality. Those close to the former president say he has been focusing on private matters, philanthropy, and party reorganisation — staying largely out of active politics since handing over power in 2022.
A Message of Strength and Faith
During Friday’s service, held at a private venue attended by close family and political allies, Uhuru urged mourners to draw inspiration from Ireri’s resilience in the face of illness.
He said Ireri had lived his final years with grace and faith, serving as a source of hope for others battling similar conditions.
“Frank’s courage, even in pain, was remarkable,” he said. “He never lost faith, never stopped smiling, and always reminded us that every trial has a purpose.”
The former president’s remarks have since drawn an outpouring of sympathy online, with Kenyans expressing both admiration for his candour and concern for his health. Many described his openness as a rare and human moment from a leader known for his composure and privacy.
Public Reaction
Messages of support have flooded social media, with Jubilee supporters and other Kenyans urging Uhuru to remain strong and thanking him for speaking candidly about his struggles.
Political analysts say his comments — while understated — have “humanised” him and may mark the beginning of a more open conversation about health and vulnerability among Kenyan leaders.
For now, the former president continues to maintain a low profile, focusing on personal recovery, family, and faith — values he credits with giving him strength through his most challenging times.
