Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has revealed that he has been quietly battling health challenges, a confession that came as he mourned the passing of his long-time political ally and friend, Raila Odinga, who succumbed to cancer.
Speaking during a private memorial gathering, Kenyatta appeared visibly emotional, his voice heavy with grief and reflection. He described Odinga as “a man who defined resilience and courage in public life”, adding that the news of his death struck him not just as a political loss, but as a personal wound.
“Raila was more than a comrade in politics; he was a brother. We disagreed, we reconciled, and through it all, we both carried scars, some seen, some unseen. I too have been unwell for some time, but his passing reminded me that life is more fragile than power makes it seem,” Kenyatta said.
His revelation has stirred a wave of emotion and introspection across Kenya’s political landscape, coming at a time when the country continues to grapple with the health, age, and legacy of its veteran leaders. Many Kenyans have interpreted Uhuru’s words as a rare moment of vulnerability from a man known for his calm composure even amid political storms.
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Political analysts argue that Kenyatta’s statement reflects a deeper truth about leadership , that behind the strength and symbolism of high office lies a human being susceptible to pain, fatigue, and loss. His candid acknowledgment of illness has also reignited public conversations about the pressures of power, the emotional toll of governance, and the need for leaders to prioritize their health and mental well-being.
The friendship between Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga was one of Kenya’s most complex and consequential political relationships, marked by fierce rivalry, historic reconciliation, and shared national vision. Their 2018 handshake reshaped Kenya’s political destiny, fostering relative calm after years of polarization.
Now, as Kenyatta mourns his ally, his words carry both nostalgia and an unspoken plea for unity. “Let us not allow Raila’s dream of a united Kenya to die with him,” he urged.
Beyond the grief, Uhuru’s moment of openness has humanized him in the eyes of many — a reminder that even those who have wielded immense power are not immune to the vulnerabilities that define all humanity.
