Former President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta has for the first time lifted the veil on his health struggles, revealing that he endured a difficult phase marked by illness and uncertainty after leaving office.
Speaking during the funeral service of his long-time friend and former Housing Finance Managing Director Frank Ireri on Friday, October 31, the retired Head of State paid an emotional tribute, describing Ireri as a confidant who offered him strength and wisdom during his most trying moments.
“I have lost a friend and a colleague,” Uhuru said, his voice heavy with emotion. “And especially for me — and I don’t know whether I should say this — but these are realities of life. In the last year, whenever we met, Frank was very encouraging about some of the challenges we were going through. Since he had more experience, he guided me on how to handle issues of life, health, and otherwise.”
The revelation marked the first public admission by the former president that he had faced serious health challenges in the months following his retirement. Uhuru hinted that his condition had at one point been critical, though he stopped short of disclosing specific details.
“I will miss that counsel,” he added. “He held our hands and told us not to worry — that everything would pass. We trust in God, and those of us who still have challenges will continue fighting. When it is God’s time, we shall join him and be thankful for the life we’ve lived and the moments we’ve shared.”
Ireri, who succumbed to cancer on October 26 at The Nairobi Hospital, was widely respected in Kenya’s banking sector and among his peers for his calm wisdom and mentorship.
Uhuru’s heartfelt eulogy not only celebrated a cherished friendship but also offered rare insight into the personal struggles he has faced away from the political spotlight.
The former president had been notably absent from public view for nearly four months in 2024, fueling widespread speculation about his health. His last major appearance before that hiatus was in June 2024, after which he seemingly retreated from public life. Reports at the time hinted that he might have sought treatment abroad, though his team remained tight-lipped.
He re-emerged in October 2024 during the 15th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security, and Stability in Africa in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, organized by the African Union Commission — an appearance that reassured many of his improving health.
Since then, Uhuru has gradually resumed public engagements, including condolence visits and peace-building initiatives, often appearing in better health and steady spirits.
As Kenyans continue to process his revelation, Uhuru’s candid reflection underscores the human side of leadership — that even those who once wielded great power are not immune to life’s vulnerabilities.
“Those of us who have those challenges will continue fighting,” he said, his words both somber and hopeful — a testament to resilience, faith, and friendship.
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