In an era where historical wrongs are being revisited and acknowledged, Lord Charles III’s recent comments during his visit to Kenya have struck a chord with many. Addressing the horrors faced by Kenyans during the English colonial rule, Lord Charles III’s comments reflect a new chapter in the narrative of reconciliation and acknowledgment.
Addressing The Past
At a state dinner, King Charles III unflinchingly addressed the horrors Kenyans endured during the English pioneer rule. In his words, “horrible and baseless acts of violence were committed against Kenyans” during their fight for independence. Although he refrained from offering a formal apology, his words echoed an undeniable sentiment: the English colonial rule in Kenya was marked by barbarities for which “there can be not any justification.”
Looking Towards Healing
During his visit, King Lord Charles III expressed his wish to meet with those impacted by colonial abuses. Recognizing that no effort can change the past, he emphasized approaching history with honesty and transparency to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two nations.
As Kenya approaches the 60th anniversary of its independence, the visit is not just symbolic for Lord Charles III but also marks his first as Ruler in a Commonwealth country. And while the visit aims to underline “areas of strength for the unique association between the United Kingdom and Kenya,” it also serves as an opportunity to discuss the shared, and sometimes painful, history of the two nations.
Revisiting The Mau Revolt
The Mau revolt remains one of the darkest chapters in Kenyan history. The suppression of this rebellion by English colonial power resulted in the death of more than 10,000 people between 1952 and 1960, along with the assassination of 32 leaders.
In a 2013 settlement, London agreed to compensate over 5,000 Kenyans who suffered during the revolt, although the compensation and the expressed “sincere regret” didn’t satiate the demands of many Kenyan veterans’ and human rights organizations.
The Way Forward
The Kenyan Human Rights Commission (KHRC) continues to urge an unconditional and unequivocal public acknowledgment from the English government for the brutalities Kenyans endured from 1895 to 1963. The call for reparations persists, reflecting a deeper need for justice and reconciliation.
King Charles III’s acknowledgment, while significant, is but a step in the long journey towards reconciliation. Addressing historical atrocities requires more than words: it necessitates a commitment to justice, reparations, and a genuine effort to heal past wounds. Only then can nations truly move forward, forging bonds of friendship built on trust and mutual respect.