Kenyans expect royal apology

Kenyans expect royal apology

Updated 01.58 | Published 01.47

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full screen A Kenyan reads the Daily Nation newspaper with a portrait of Britain’s king and the text “the dark past” ahead of the royal couple’s visit. Photo: Sayyid Abdul Azim/AP/TT

King Charles should apologize for the abuses Britain subjected Kenya to during colonial rule, a Kenyan human rights organization believes.

The call comes two days before the royal couple visits the country.

“We call on the King to issue, on behalf of the British Government, an unconditional and unequivocal public apology (as opposed to the very cautious, self-preservation and protective statements of remorse) for the brutal and inhumane treatment of Kenyan citizens,” writes NGO Kenyas human rights commission.

The King’s visit to the East African nation is his first visit to a Commonwealth nation.

According to Buckingham Palace, Charles is expected to deal with the “more painful aspects” of Britain’s historic relationship with Kenya – such as the Mau Mau rebellion, which was crushed by colonial rule in the 1950s and left around 10,000 people dead.

“His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the injustices suffered by the people of Kenya during this period.”

Furthermore, the Kenyan organization demands “effective compensation” and that Kenyan President William Ruto should prioritize this in meetings with the king.

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