November 1, 2023
2 mins read

King Charles visits Kenya as colonial abuses loom large

Kenya nevertheless has special resonance for the royal family…reports Asian Lite News

King Charles III and Queen Camilla began a state visit to Kenya on Tuesday, facing widespread calls for an apology over Britain’s bloody colonial past.

Although the four-day trip has been billed as an opportunity to look to the future and build on the cordial modern-day ties between London and Nairobi, the legacy of decades of British colonial rule looms large.

It is the 74-year-old British head of state’s first visit to an African and Commonwealth nation since ascending the throne in September last year on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The royal couple, who arrived late Monday, were welcomed at a formal ceremony on Tuesday by Kenyan President William Ruto, who has hailed the visit as a “significant opportunity to enhance collaboration” in various fields.

The British High Commission said the tour, which follows trips to Germany and France earlier this year, will “spotlight the strong and dynamic partnership between the UK and Kenya.”

But it will also “acknowledge the more painful aspects” of Britain’s historic relationship with Kenya as the East African country prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence in December.

This includes the 1952-60 “Emergency,” when colonial authorities brutally suppressed the Mau Mau guerrilla uprising, one of the bloodiest insurgencies against British rule.

At least 10,000 people — mainly from the Kikuyu tribe — were killed, although some historians and rights groups claim the true figure is higher.

Tens of thousands more were rounded up and detained without trial in camps where reports of executions, torture and vicious beatings were common.

The royal visit also comes as pressure mounts in some Caribbean Commonwealth countries to remove the British monarch as head of state, and as republican voices in the UK grow louder.

Kenya nevertheless has special resonance for the royal family.

It is the country where Elizabeth learned in 1952 of the death of her father, King George VI, marking the start of her historic 70-year reign.

And it comes almost exactly four decades since Elizabeth’s own state visit in November 1983.

During two days in the capital Nairobi, Charles and Camilla will meet entrepreneurs and young Kenyans, and attend a state banquet hosted by Ruto.

Charles will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Uhuru Gardens, where Kenya declared independence in December 1963.

ALSO READ-Scottish ministers to release 14,000 Covid WhatsApp messages

Previous Story

Scottish ministers to release 14,000 Covid WhatsApp messages

Next Story

India-Bangladesh Collaboration Cuts Travel Time to Kolkata

Latest from -Top News

Quantum Leap Secures India’s Edge

The Minister said India has entered a new quantum era, set to transform future warfare….reports Asian Lite News India has taken a major leap in defence and cyber security by successfully demonstrating

India’s Growth Defies West Asia Tensions

The deepening crisis in West Asia, particularly between Israel and Iran, has had little to no visible impact on India’s economic trajectory or its export performance….reports Asian Lite News The limited trade

FM Sitharaman Embarks on Three-Nation Tour

She is leading the Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance….reports Asian Lite News Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commenced her official visit to Spain, Portugal,

Araghchi: Hold US, Israel Accountable

The Iranian foreign minister emphasised that the UNSC should hold the “aggressors” accountable and act to prevent the recurrence of such “crimes.”…reports Asian Lite News Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi urged
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US warns Kenya’s rising debt threatens economic stability

Kenya is facing violent protests due to its ongoing economic

Kenyans on protest as China proposes Lanka Model

Kenya and China have just signed six trade agreements and