Kenya: Britain’s King Charles has said Kenya’s independent struggle during the colonial era was “abhorrent and unjustifiable.” During his first visit as King to a Commonwealth country, he remarked that there was “no excuse” for the colonial atrocities.
In reply, Kenya’s President, Mr. William Ruto, praised King for addressing such “uncomfortable truths.”
The King told the guests, as Kenya celebrates its 60th independence in December, that, “it matters greatly to me that I should deepen my own understanding of these wrongs and that I meet some of those whose lives and communities were so grievously affected.”
Ahead of the state visit, the Kenya Human Rights Commission urged him to make an “unequivocal public apology for the brutal and inhuman treatment inflicted on Kenyan citizens”, and pay reparations for colonial-era abuses.
However, King has not officially apologized for the colonial atrocities. It reportedly disappointed some Kenyan diplomats.
King Charles had a meeting with Mr. Ruto, as well as he visited an urban farm and met young Kenyan tech business people on his first day of state visit.
The monarch also paid a visit to the museum dedicated to Kenya’s history and its battle for independence.
In the coming days, King will focus on Kenya and Britain’s association with climate change tackling and employment opportunities for youth.
The four-day visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla will build good relations between Kenyans despite the bloody past, as per the statement.
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