Frontier Correspondent
Nairobi, Kenya.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has disclosed that he is battling cancer, revealing his condition publicly for the first time during a heartfelt eulogy for his close friend Frank Marangu Ireri, who died of the same disease last week.
Speaking at a memorial service at Karura Community Chapel in Nairobi on Friday, Kenyatta described Ireri as “my friend, confidant, and encourager in the journey of life,” saying the late banker had been a source of strength even as both men faced health struggles.
“Some among us are still fighting health battles, but we trust that when it is God’s time, we shall join him,” Kenyatta said, his voice steady but emotional.
“He always told us not to worry and that all this will come to pass,” he added.
Ireri, 63, a respected banking executive who once led the Housing Finance Company of Kenya (now HF Group) and served on the Kenya Pipeline Company board, died on October 26 at Nairobi Hospital while undergoing cancer treatment.
Kenyatta’s revelation immediately sparked an outpouring of public sympathy and messages of solidarity online, with hashtags such as #UhuruStrong trending across social media platforms.
The former president, who has kept a low profile since leaving office in 2022, urged those battling illness to remain hopeful and lean on faith, family, and medical support. He expressed gratitude for his life and friendships, describing Ireri as a principled professional who transformed public enterprises into “wealth-creation entities” and mentored young leaders.
In a lighter moment, Kenyatta recalled a humorous episode involving a mutual friend arrested at an alcoblow checkpoint who had expected presidential help — a memory that drew laughter and reflected Ireri’s insistence on integrity even in friendship.
Kenyatta’s admission follows years of speculation about his health, which allies had previously dismissed as unfounded. No further medical details were shared, but he has been seen at several public events in recent months, including the inauguration of Nigeria’s National Defence College in 2024.
Health officials say Kenya records more than 47,000 new cancer cases annually, underscoring the disease’s growing toll and the strain on treatment facilities nationwide.
“This is the reality of life. We must be grateful for the time we share and face every challenge with faith and courage,” Kenyatta reflected.
Ireri was cremated after the service, leaving behind a legacy of discipline, mentorship, and quiet leadership — and a friendship that endured until the very end.