NAIROBI, Kenya — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has opened up about his personal health battles as he mourned the passing of his longtime friend and former Housing Finance Managing Director Frank Ireri, who died on October 26 at Nairobi Hospital after a battle with cancer. He was 63.
Speaking during an emotional memorial service on Friday, the former head of state paid tribute to Ireri’s courage and mentorship, describing him as a man who offered strength and guidance to those around him — even as he fought his own illness.
“In the last year and a good part of this year, whenever we met, he was very encouraging about some of the challenges we were going through,” said Uhuru. “He always guided us on how to face challenges in life, health, and otherwise.”
Uhuru, who maintained a close friendship with Ireri for decades, revealed that the late banker had been a source of comfort during difficult times, offering reassurance and faith amid personal struggles.
“He held our hands and reminded us not to worry — that things would pass,” Uhuru said. “He told us to trust in God and stay steady even in difficult times.”
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta: I don’t know whether I should say this, but these are the realities of life. In the past year and a good part of this one, whenever we met, ex-HF boss Frank Ireri was always encouraging about some of the challenges we were going through.
The former president also reflected on the fragility of life, faith, and the inevitability of mortality, hinting that he and others close to Ireri were also confronting health challenges.
“Frank is lying here because it is his time. Those of us who still face our challenges will continue fighting, but when God’s time comes, we shall join him — grateful for the life we lived and the moments we shared,” he said.
I was very moved by the candor with which former President Uhuru Kenyatta spoke about the fragility of the human body and his own health. Let’s wish him full strength and a long life. It shall be well, your Excellency- Prof Makau Mutua.
Ireri, a respected figure in Kenya’s banking sector, served as the Managing Director of the Housing Finance Company of Kenya (HF) and was widely credited with expanding access to housing finance.
Uhuru said Ireri’s resilience and optimism in the face of illness had left a lasting lesson.
“It’s not easy to talk about this, but it’s life. I sat with him many times to learn how to live with this situation,” Uhuru added. “He has gone ahead; it’s we who are left to deal with it. When our time comes, we’ll join him in rest.”
Family, friends, and colleagues remembered Ireri as a visionary leader, mentor, and philanthropist whose calm leadership style and faith inspired many in both corporate and personal circles.
