King Charles III has acknowledged the “abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence” committed by the British during colonial rule in Kenya, but he has stopped short of issuing an official apology during his visit to the country. Speaking at a state banquet hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto, the king emphasized that there could be “no excuse” for the atrocities that were committed. The purpose of Charles and Queen Camilla’s four-day state visit is to strengthen the modern-day ties between the UK and Kenya, but Buckingham Palace had indicated that the king would address the historical wrongs of colonialism.
This visit marks the first time the 74-year-old British monarch has toured an African and Commonwealth nation since ascending to the throne last year. The timing is significant, as Kenya is preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary of independence in December. Charles and Camilla received a ceremonial red carpet welcome from Ruto, and they also paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in the Uhuru Gardens memorial park. This location holds great historical significance, as it was where Kenya declared independence in 1963.
The period known as the “Emergency” was one of the bloodiest episodes during British colonial rule, resulting in the deaths of at least 10,000 people, mostly from the Kikuyu tribe. Tens of thousands more were detained without trial in camps where reports of torture and executions were widespread. Charles expressed deep regret for the past wrongdoings, stating that they cause “the greatest sorrow.” He also expressed a desire to meet those affected by colonial abuses and hoped that by addressing history honestly, the friendship between the UK and Kenya could grow stronger.
President Ruto described the colonial response to Kenya’s push for self-rule as “monstrous in its cruelty.” While he commended Charles for shedding light on uncomfortable truths, he pointed out that an official apology was still missing. The Kenya Human Rights Commission had called for a public apology and reparations for colonial-era abuses. In 2013, Britain agreed to compensate over 5,000 Kenyans who had suffered abuse during the Mau Mau revolt, but it fell short of issuing a full apology.
Opinions in Kenya are divided on whether an apology is necessary. Some, like Simson Mwangi, a delivery rider, believe that an apology is crucial for the healing process. However, others, like chef Maureen Nkatha, feel that it is time to move forward and focus on the present.
The royal visit to Kenya holds special significance for the royal family, as Kenya is where Queen Elizabeth II learned of her father’s death, marking the start of her historic reign. Kenya and Britain have strong economic ties, with two-way trade amounting to around 1.2 billion pounds ($1.5 billion) in the year leading up to March 2023.
During their stay in Kenya, the royal couple will also focus on climate change initiatives, an area that Charles has long been passionate about. They will visit a marine nature reserve in the city of Mombasa and meet with religious leaders. Overall, the visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the UK and Kenya and address the historical legacy of colonialism.
