Written by Lisa Murimi
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has hinted at his own health challenges while eulogizing his close friend Frank Ireri, who recently succumbed to cancer.
Speaking during Ireri’s funeral service on Friday, October 31, Uhuru shared emotional remarks that subtly revealed his personal struggle with illness, though he did not explicitly confirm suffering from cancer.
Reflecting on their friendship, the former Head of State said Ireri had been a source of strength and guidance during difficult times.
“For the better part of last year and this year, he was very encouraging about the challenges we were going through,” Uhuru said.
“He guided us on how to handle such issues, having more experience than us.”
Uhuru added that Ireri’s counsel had helped him and others cope with their struggles.
“I will miss that counsel and appreciate everything he guided us towards. He really held our hand and told us not to worry — that all this will come to pass,” he said.
The former president’s remarks seemed to confirm long-standing speculation about his health.
Rumors of Uhuru’s illness began circulating early this year, following his limited public appearances and noticeable changes in appearance, including a bald head, which some speculated could be due to chemotherapy.
Observers also noted visible fatigue and shortness of breath during some of his speeches.
However, his aides and Jubilee Party officials had dismissed the rumors as “fictional and ill-intentioned.”
Jubilee’s Pauline Njoroge previously stated that Uhuru was in good health and focused on his personal and political engagements.
At Ireri’s burial, Uhuru appeared composed but reflective, acknowledging mortality and expressing acceptance of life’s cycle.
“Those who have those challenges, we will continue fighting with them,” he said. “But when it is God’s time, we shall join him and be thankful for the life that we lived and the times we shared.”
Recent public appearances suggest that Uhuru’s health has improved. He recently led the Jubilee Party’s National Delegates Conference and attended Kalonzo Musyoka’s daughter’s wedding in December 2024, where he appeared energetic and in high spirits.
