NAIROBI, Kenya — Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has publicly addressed his personal health challenges for the first time, using an emotional eulogy to honour his late friend and former banker, Frank Marangu Ireri. Mr. Ireri passed away on Sunday, 26th October 2025 after a battle with cancer.
Speaking during Mr. Ireri’s funeral service on Friday, October 31, the former head of state delivered a moving tribute, revealing that he and Ireri had shared a bond forged by their parallel health struggles. Uhuru stated that his friend had offered him invaluable encouragement and guidance throughout their shared adversity.
“I do not know whether I should say this, but these are the realities of life. For the better part of last year and this year, he was very encouraging about the challenges we were going through,” the former head of state said.
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“Since he had more experience, he guided us on how to handle such issues. I will miss that counsel and appreciate everything he guided us towards, holding our hands and telling us not to worry.”
Acceptance and the journey ahead
While not specifying the nature of his own condition, Uhuru hinted that he continues to manage a health issue, suggesting that life’s struggles must be met with acceptance and faith.
“The reason Frank is lying here is because it is his time,” he reflected. “Those with such challenges will continue fighting, but when it is God’s time, we shall join him and be thankful for the life we lived and the times we shared.”
Uhuru’s candid remarks come after persistent speculation regarding his health, which had circulated since early this year following a noticeable reduction in his public engagements after stepping down from office.
However, in recent weeks, the former President has visibly increased his presence in the public sphere, notably taking a leading role in the Jubilee Party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) and engaging in other political consultations, signalling a renewed involvement in party affairs.
