British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks on Kenyan roots
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has Kenyan and Indian roots, attributed his rise to power to the enduring ties of the Commonwealth of Nations.
He emphasised the role of the UK and royalty in bringing together a diverse community of nations under the Commonwealth.
Ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, Sunak spoke of the impact of the modern Commonwealth on his life and family.
“I trace my own family heritage through India, Kenya and Tanzania and I know that the experience my grandfather Ramdas had in Nairobi was something that shaped his life and my family for generations,” said Sunak.
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Sunak was born in the UK 43 years ago. But his parents, Yashvir and Usha Sunak, were born in today’s Kenya and Tanzania, respectively, before migrating to the UK . His grandfather was born in Pakistan. His grandmother was originally from India. They moved to Kenya before it gained independence.
Despite gaining independence, Kenya, Tanzania and other former colonies remain linked to the UK through trade, the English language and their association in the Commonwealth.
Sunak acknowledges that his story is not unique, and that deep people-to-people links are at the heart of the modern-day friendship between the UK and Kenya.
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Sunak looks forward to continuing to work closely between the UK and Kenya as part of this friendship to build more prosperous, secure and sustainable societies together.
King Charles III will be crowned in a ceremony attended by thousands of guests, including presidents and heads of government from the Commonwealth and other UK allies.
President William Ruto is among those expected to attend the ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London, which will be presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Portal Welby.
It will be the first time a coronation has taken place since Britain ended its colonial policy.
The King himself has argued for a modern relationship, including working together to tackle today’s global problems.
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