Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has for the first time spoken publicly about his health challenges, revealing that the late Frank Ireri, former Housing Finance (HF) boss, was a pillar of strength during his difficult times.
Speaking during Ireri’s memorial service, an emotional Uhuru paid a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend, describing him as a man of great courage, faith, and compassion — even as he fought his own battle with cancer.
“I don’t know whether I should say this, but these are realities of life,” Uhuru said. “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. He had more experience than some of us, and he guided us on how to handle these challenges in life, health, and otherwise.”
The former Head of State revealed that Ireri’s words of hope and resilience gave him strength to confront his own struggles.
“He really held our hands and told us, ‘Don’t worry. This will come to pass. It will go,’” he added, his voice filled with emotion.
While Uhuru did not disclose specific details about his health, his remarks marked a rare moment of personal vulnerability, shedding light on his private battles away from the public eye.
Reflecting on life and mortality, Uhuru said he had made peace with the reality of life’s fragility and emphasized gratitude for the time and friendships shared.
“We trust in God and we believe that the reason Frank is lying here is because it is his time,” he said. “For those of us 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 that we lived and the times we shared together.”
Frank Ireri, remembered for his leadership at Housing Finance and his humility beyond the boardroom, passed away after a long battle with cancer. His funeral brought together family, friends, and leaders who celebrated his resilience and the lives he touched.
Uhuru’s heartfelt tribute not only honored his friend’s memory but also offered a rare glimpse into his own humanity — reminding Kenyans that even their leaders face the same vulnerabilities that define us all.
