Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s emotional address at the requiem mass of veteran banker Frank Marangu Ireri offered a rare glimpse into his personal life — and, for the first time publicly, his own health struggles.
Speaking at the Karura Community Chapel in Nairobi on Friday, October 31, 2025, Kenyatta mourned the loss of a close friend and confidant whose encouragement, he said, helped him endure one of the most difficult seasons of his life.
The mass, attended by family, close friends, and Kenya’s business and political elite, was a solemn celebration of the life of Ireri — the former Housing Finance Company of Kenya (HF Group) Managing Director and a transformative figure in the banking industry.
But it was also an unexpectedly introspective moment for the former Head of State, who used his tribute to reflect on mortality, friendship, and the quiet battles even leaders must face.
“I don’t know whether I should say this, but these are realities of life,” Kenyatta told the congregation.
“In the last year and a good part of this year, whenever we met, Frank was very encouraging about some of the challenges we were going through. Those of us who have those challenges will continue fighting with them, but equally, when it is God’s time, we shall join him and be thankful for the life we lived.”
At the service, Kenyatta described Ireri as “more than a friend — a brother.” Their relationship, he explained, spanned decades and was built on mutual respect and quiet counsel.
“Frank was the kind of person who didn’t need to shout to make a difference,” he said. “He offered wisdom, humility, and unwavering support — even when he himself was unwell.”
Frank Marangu Ireri, 63, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Nairobi Hospital after a long battle with cancer.
Known for his transformative leadership at HF Group, Ireri was instrumental in shifting the company’s focus from a traditional mortgage lender into a diversified financial institution.
His professional legacy earned him national recognition, including the honour of Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), for his contributions to Kenya’s housing finance sector.
Kenyatta’s remarks highlighted that same enduring spirit, linking it to his own struggles. “Even in pain, Frank found strength to uplift others,” he said.
“He reminded me that leadership and life are not about what we accumulate, but what we give of ourselves — our kindness, our encouragement, our time.”
The emotional speech marked a departure from Kenyatta’s typically guarded public demeanor since leaving office. Since 2022, he has largely maintained a low profile, occasionally making brief appearances at state or community functions.
His acknowledgment of personal health challenges adds a new dimension to his post-presidency — one that humanizes him beyond the political spotlight.
“Frank’s journey reminds us that no one is spared the challenges of life,” Kenyatta concluded. “We all have our battles — but what matters most is how we live through them, and the love we leave behind.”
