Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has left Kenyans talking after narrating a lighthearted but telling incident involving a friend who attempted to use his name to evade police protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking during the memorial service of the late Frank Ireri, who passed away recently after a long battle with cancer, Uhuru shared the story to illustrate the character and integrity of his late friend.
He recalled that during the height of COVID-19 restrictions, police officers had been deployed across the country to enforce health and safety measures.
According to the former Head of State, one of his friends — who had previously visited him at State House Nairobi alongside the late Frank Ireri — was stopped by police officers while flouting lockdown rules.
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In an attempt to escape arrest, the friend reportedly told the officers, “Do you know who I know?” before dialing Uhuru’s personal number and handing the phone to them.
Uhuru said he immediately disconnected the call, saying he did not want to interfere with police work. The revelation sparked laughter among mourners, with many appreciating his humility and respect for the law even as president.
The former president added that his friendship with the late Ireri was one founded on honesty and mutual respect, noting that Ireri never once used his association with him for personal gain.
Uhuru’s remarks have since drawn mixed reactions online, with many Kenyans praising his decision to allow the police to do their job without interference, while others described the story as a rare moment of honesty from a former Head of State.
The memorial service took place in Nairobi and was attended by close friends, faly members, and former government officials.