United Kingdom’s King Charles III is drawing lessons from his country’s colonial history in Kenya to strengthen ties between the two nations, acknowledging the influence of the past on their relationship. During a state banquet in Nairobi held in his and Queen Camilla’s honor, the British monarch, while avoiding an explicit apology as demanded by activists and descendants of colonial-era victims, emphasized the importance of recognizing the past’s impact on future relations between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
King Charles III acknowledged that learning from past mistakes could prevent future errors in their partnership, emphasizing the need to move towards a relationship of equals. He expressed deep regret for the abhorrent acts of violence committed against Kenyans during their struggle for independence, acknowledging the profound sorrow and regret it caused.
Despite pressure to issue an apology for the pre-independence actions of the British colonial government, including torture and killings of Kenyan freedom fighters, King Charles maintained London’s stance of regret without a formal apology. The Kenya Human Rights Commission had called on him to acknowledge historical responsibilities and collaborate with Kenya to address demands for justice.
President William Ruto, while acknowledging the monarch’s courage, noted that more needs to be done to fully atone for the brutal colonial era. He urged both Kenya and the UK to face their historical actions and legacies without being enslaved by them, emphasizing the importance of addressing historical issues with honesty and openness to strengthen the friendship.
The two sides highlighted their modern partnership as equals, focusing on addressing current challenges, such as climate change and security, and seizing opportunities for mutual benefit. They are venturing into areas of cooperation that benefit both nations. King Charles and Queen Camilla also visited Uhuru Gardens, where Kenya’s new museum of history was inaugurated, and they are expected to tour the Karura Forest, an emblem of environmental activism in Kenya.
