King's visit should boost Kenya, UK ties further

This is the first trip by the monarch since ascending to the throne in May this year following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.[Xinhua]

King Charles III and his wife Camilla are expected in Kenya today on a four-day tour of the country. This is the first trip by the monarch since ascending to the throne in May this year following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

On February 6, 1952, Queen Elizabeth ascended to the British throne while on a trip to Kenya following her father, King George VI's death. Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Kenya was the first of a commonwealth countries’ tour, and today, King Charles’ first tour outside Britain is to Kenya.

If not for anything else, it is a great honour that underscores the deep ties between the two countries that should be exploited fully to the benefit of both countries. This, notwithstanding that Britain once was Kenya’s colonial master, from whose hands our freedom fighters wrestled independence and paid for it with the ultimate price.

That, however, is in the past and we must dwell on the future even as we seek justice for past wrongs. Our founding President Jomo Kenyatta often implored Kenyans “to forgive, but not forget”. 

No doubt, King Charles’ visit has evoked hard feelings from a dark past and there are growing demands that he should apologise for the atrocities committed by Britain, and those by its soldiers who train in Kenya who have been accused of mistreating Kenyans.

Aggrieved Kenyans have every right to demand an apology and recompense, which can be achieved through reason and cooperation.

Kenya stands to gain from cordial relationships with Britain, especially with the removal of trade barriers. The Economic Partnership Agreement between Britain and Kenya will help Kenyans secure jobs in the UK besides spurring economic growth and supporting agricultural development and local manufacturing. Moreover, it is a welcome boost for the tourism sector. 

The King’s visit should herald a new dawn in our relationship. Welcome to Kenya, King Charles III.