Former President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, has for the first time publicly spoken about his health condition after months of silence and speculation. The revelation came during an emotional speech at a memorial service for his close friend, the late Frank Ireri, held in Nairobi on Friday.
For over a year, Kenyans have been speculating about the former Head of State’s wellbeing. Rumors began circulating early last year after Uhuru’s prolonged absence from public life, which saw him miss several high-profile political and international events.
Some reports claimed that the retired President had been admitted to a hospital abroad, while others suggested he had chosen to live a quiet life away from the public eye.
Uhuru did not address the speculations at the time. Instead, he made a surprise appearance at a function in Ethiopia, looking healthy but noticeably slimmer, which only fueled further debate about his condition.
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However, during the memorial service of Frank Ireri—a respected businessman and a long-time friend—Uhuru opened up about his health for the first time. The emotional moment saw the former President confirm that he has indeed been battling an illness that began last year.
“Last year was not an easy one for me. I fell ill, and it has been a journey. Frank was among the few friends who stood by me and encouraged me to keep fighting. He was going through the same thing, yet he always found the strength to lift my spirit,” Uhuru said, his voice heavy with emotion.
He went on to describe Ireri as a compassionate and supportive friend whose encouragement helped him cope with the difficult period. “Even when he was in pain, he still called to check on me, to make me laugh, to remind me that we would get through this together. Losing him has been very painful,” he added.
The confession left mourners visibly moved, with many applauding the former President’s courage to speak openly about his struggles. Since the service, Kenyans have flooded social media with messages of love and support, wishing him a speedy recovery and thanking him for his years of leadership and humility.
Political leaders from across the divide have also joined in sending their best wishes. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s family, in a message posted online, described Uhuru as “a strong man who has always put the nation first” and prayed for his full recovery.
While Uhuru did not reveal specific details about the nature of his illness, he assured Kenyans that he is responding well to treatment and remains hopeful. “I am getting better every day, and I thank God for that,” he concluded.
As the news continues to spread, many Kenyans have expressed admiration for his openness and called for more empathy toward public figures who face health challenges.
Uhuru Kenyatta, who served as Kenya’s fourth President from 2013 to 2022, remains one of the most influential figures in the country’s political landscape. His latest revelation has reminded many of his humanity beyond the high office he once held—and the power of friendship and resilience in times of adversity
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