Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta during a past event/COURTESY
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has opened up about his own health while mourning the death of his longtime friend and colleague, Frank Ireri.
While paying a moving tribute to the late banker Frank Ireri during a funeral service, Uhuru said Ireri had been a source of strength and guidance to him over the past year, particularly as he navigated undisclosed personal difficulties.
“I have lost a friend, a colleague, especially for me, and I don’t know whether I should say this, but these are realities of life,” Uhuru began.
“In the last year and a good part of this year, whenever we met, he was very encouraging about some of the challenges that we were going through.”
Without giving details, the former Head of State suggested that he has been dealing with health-related concerns and leaned on Ireri for counsel.
“Since he had more experience than some of us, he was very encouraging in guiding and telling you how to look at this and how to handle some of these challenges in life, health and otherwise,” he said. The service was held at the Karura Community Chapel.
Uhuru praised Ireri for offering reassurance and wisdom during trying moments.
“I’ll miss that counsel, and I’ll appreciate everything he guided some of us towards — how he really held our hand and told us, ‘Don’t worry, things will come to pass.’”
He added that while Ireri’s passing was God’s will, those still facing struggles must continue to persevere.
“We trust in God,” he said, adding, “Those of us who have those challenges will continue fighting with them.” Ireri, a respected financial sector leader and former Housing Finance Managing Director, died on October 26.
Mourners described him as a mentor, visionary professional, and steadfast friend whose guidance touched many lives.
Uhuru also shared warm and humorous memories of him, recounting moments that highlighted Ireri’s character, discipline, and loyalty.
“He was a man who always wanted to succeed. He was also a man full of laughter and joy, a man who made every occasion a joyous one,” he said, adding that Ireri worked to ensure every interaction was smooth, comfortable, and dignified.
Ireri is celebrated for revolutionising one of Kenya’s oldest mortgage lenders. He was honoured for transforming financing models at Housing Finance (now HF Group) when he took over as Managing Director in 2006.
By 2014, when the bank was renamed HF Group, Ireri had diversified lending and created new business arms, turning the lender into a full financial services company.
Under his leadership, HF expanded into retail banking, issued corporate bonds, and gained a reputation as a bold industry player.
Ireri is survived by his family, who were joined by friends, corporate leaders, and dignitaries in celebrating his life and legacy.
