King Charles III of the United Kingdom has articulated his intention to utilize his country’s colonial history in Kenya as a source of valuable lessons that could enhance bilateral ties.
This move underscores how the historical context has played a significant role in shaping the relationship between the two nations.
During a speech at a state banquet held in Nairobi in his and Queen Camilla’s honor, the British monarch refrained from issuing the apology demanded by activists and relatives of those who suffered injuries or fatalities during the colonial era.
Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of that historical period in guiding the future relationship between Kenya and the United Kingdom, expressing regret for some of the harsh incidents involving colonial governors.
While contemporary Kenya-UK relations largely revolve around trade, investments, and security cooperation, King Charles acknowledged that learning from past mistakes can serve as a means to prevent future errors in forging “a partnership of equals.”
“The wrongdoings of the past are a cause of the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret. There were abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans as they waged…a painful struggle for independence and sovereignty – and for that, there can be no excuse.
“In coming back to Kenya, 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.”
King Charles III, accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla, is currently on a state visit to Kenya. In the lead-up to the trip, he faced mounting pressure to issue an apology for the pre-independence actions of the British colonial government in suppressing Kenyan freedom fighters, which included instances of torture and killings. Additionally, there was pressure for him to acknowledge and commit to delivering justice to victims of misconduct by British soldiers still stationed in Kenya as part of a bilateral agreement.
For instance, the Kenya Human Rights Commission had released an open letter on October 29, urging the King to “acknowledge its historical responsibilities and collaborate with Kenya” in addressing the calls for justice.
However, during a dinner on Tuesday evening, King Charles adhered to London’s established position: expressing regret but not offering an apology.
His host President William Ruto said the monarch had demonstrated “exemplary courage” even though he said a lot remains to be done to atone for the brutal era “in order to achieve full reparations.”
Ruto said Kenya and the UK should not deny their checkered history but should not also be enslaved by it.
“Neither can we go far into the future if we turn our backs on historical actions and omissions whose legacies encumber our present,” Ruto said.
“I am optimistic that through the Kenya-UK partnership, we shall keep up our endeavour to inspire the change we hope for by making people and their well-being the fundamental consideration in our pursuit of trade and investment, defence and security, conservation and climate action, research, development and innovation as well as our work of designing a future that works for present generations and distant posterity.”
Previously, in 2013, Britain expressed regret and provided approximately $24.3 million in compensation to a group of Mau Mau veterans who had endured brutality during the colonial Emergency period from 1952 to 1960.
During his visit to Nairobi, King Charles emphasized that no amount of regret could alter the past. He stated, “But by addressing our history with honesty and openness, we can perhaps demonstrate the strength of our friendship today. And, in doing so, I hope we can continue to forge an ever-closer bond for the years to come.”
Both parties have expressed their desire to move beyond historical dependencies and explore opportunities that benefit both sides.
The monarch described the relationship as a “modern partnership of equals, confronting today’s challenges and exploring the many opportunities that we can jointly seize.” These challenges encompass issues like climate change and security.
He also mentioned specific examples of cooperation, such as using the King’s Cross regeneration as a model for the development of Nairobi Railway City or learning from Kenya’s successful implementation of the Blue Economy for the benefit of local communities. King Charles expressed gratitude to those involved in the ongoing efforts to realize their shared aspirations.
Earlier, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Uhuru Gardens, where Kenya’s new museum of history was inaugurated. They had the opportunity to view statues of freedom fighters Dedan Kimathi and Mekatilili wa Menza.
On Wednesday, they are scheduled to tour Karura Forest, an emblem of the environmental activism led by Kenya’s late hero, Wangari Maathai, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.