King Charles hosts reception to mark Kenya’s 60th anniversary of independence
Ahead of Their Majesties’ State Visit to Kenya, The King and Queen hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for Kenyan diaspora in the United Kingdom.
The reception was to celebrate 60th Anniversary of Kenya’s Independence and the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership they continue to forge.
This visit to Kenya marks King Charles’s first official visit to a Commonwealth country since ascending to the throne.
Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu and Manoah Esipisu, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK, led at least 400 Kenyans at the high-profile event organised to honour Kenya’s diaspora and their contribution to the UK.
Also read: Not Sorry! Viral TikToker defends confrontation with “Kanjo” officer over parking dispute
“This afternoon The King and Queen welcomed members of the UK-Kenyan community to Buckingham Palace ahead of next week’s State Visit to the country,” a statement from Buckingham Place read.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit Kenya from October 31st to November 3rd at the invitation of President William Ruto.
King Charles has faced calls to apologize for colonial-era atrocities committed in Kenya.
John Otieno, a 53-year-old accountant, stated, “If he is not coming to apologize for the atrocities they did to us, then he should not come.”
This sentiment reflects the strong desire among some Kenyan citizens for acknowledgment and reconciliation regarding historical injustices.
Also read: Ciara acknowledges Kenya’s Okello Max for unique remix in viral video
In response to these calls, Buckingham Palace issued a statement, indicating that the King would use this visit to “deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya.”
This commitment to acknowledging the darker chapters of history demonstrates a willingness to engage with the past in a spirit of reconciliation.
The King and Queen will visit Nairobi City County, Mombasa County and surrounding areas.
Their Majesties’ programme will reflect the ways in which Kenya and the United Kingdom are working together, notably to boost mutual prosperity, tackle climate change, promote youth opportunity and employment, advance sustainable development and create a more stable and secure region.
Also read: President Ruto owns the right to ‘Mambo ni Matatu’ viral phrase