Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s remarks about facing health challenges have sparked widespread reactions across Kenya. The revelation came during the memorial service of his close friend, Frank Ireri, the former Managing Director of Housing Finance Company of Kenya, who died on October 28, 2025.

During his tribute, Kenyatta said Ireri had been a source of strength and encouragement, especially over the past year when he and others were dealing with various challenges, including health-related ones.

“In the last year — a good part of this year — whenever we met, he was very encouraging about some of the challenges we were going through. He had more experience than some of us and always guided us on how to face challenges in life, health, and otherwise,” Kenyatta said.

He added that some among them were still “fighting” health challenges, but they trusted that “when it is God’s time, we shall join him.”

Kenyans React Online

Following the speech, Kenyans took to social media to share their reactions, with many expressing sympathy and prayers for the former Head of State.

Messages of support:

• “And he will be ok in Jesus name.” — @mbugua1_w

• “If God says yes, who are we to say No?” — @Physicuss111

• “May he be healed.” — @TheChalkRabbi

• “Get well soon our former president.” — @wa_mweni27

• “God heal our prince Jayden, Amen.” — @muli36469

Others sent messages of hope, urging Kenyatta to stay strong and keep fighting.

Critical and mixed responses also emerged, with some questioning the context of his remarks and linking the revelation to his time in office.

• “He’s said nothing to do with cancer.” — @Kimanibreed

• “Sasa… sickness and his past zaingia aj?” — @MeAgain254

• “Kapla akwende arudishe the loot…” — @ny7541683629303

Several users also referenced previous online rumours about his health, while others defended him, calling for respect and privacy.

• “What a hateful post, even on his deathbed you can’t give him his flowers.” — @EngEdwin254

• “Right thing to do, we are all humans. Sad he is sick but all human beings get sick at one time or another.” — @ndiewo44367

  

   

Clarification on Health Reports

Earlier, former Jubilee digital communications specialist Pauline Njoroge had dismissed social media reports claiming Kenyatta was critically ill.

“Someone wakes up, as usual, creates a fictional story, and posts it on social media. But this time, it’s about someone’s health, claiming that the person is critically ill and in the ICU,” she said.

 

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No official statement on the former president’s exact health condition has been issued, and he has not shared any further details.

Public Concern

The former president’s reduced public appearances and his latest remarks have drawn public interest, with many Kenyans calling for continued prayers and support for his recovery.

Others have expressed hope that he will regain full health soon. “Uhunye Mungu amponye. Personally bado nataka kumwona akiwa anaishi hata afikishe 100+,” wrote one user.

While Kenyatta did not disclose the nature of his illness, his emotional message about health and faith has resonated widely across the country.