Kenya Human Rights Commission wants Unconditional Public Apology and Official Acknowledgement of Wrongs from King Charles III
Charles III, King of the United Kingdom (UK), is set to arrive in Kenya on October 31, 2023, for a four-day state visit that ends on November 3.
Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) on Sunday issued a press statement demanding an apology from the King concerning the affected victims during the Colonial administration.
” We call upon the King on behalf of the British government to issue an unconditional and unequivocal public apology (as opposed to the very cautious, self-preserving and protective statements of regrets) for the brutal and inhuman treatment inflicted on Kenyan citizens during the entire colonial period-(from 1895 to 1963) and thereafter, to date. Such an apology is a critical step in acknowledging the pain and suffering of Kenyans,”Said KHRC in a Joint press Statement.
According to UK’s government, the King’s visit is to “celebrate the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership.
“While the UK’s government indicates that the King will “acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency (1952-1960)”, there is no indication that the King plans to meet with all the diverse groups of victims of gross human rights violations perpetrated by the brutal colonial regime and British multinationals in Kenya or offer full and unconditional apology and commit to effective reparations to victims and their families”,KHCR Stated.
Led by Davis Malombe, Executive Director, KHRC the commission calls on the British government to effectively act on the above issues and recommendations, acknowledge its historical responsibilities and collaborate with Kenya to address these pressing concerns.
“A case in point is the, Mau Mau reparations suit initiated in London by Leigh Day, KHRC, Mau Mau War Veterans Association (MMWVA) against the transgressions committed by British government during the emergency period between 1952 to 1960”, Malombe Stated.
The commission also urged the government of Kenya to meet its obligations to protect human rights for all people.
“We hope President Ruto will prioritize this in his meetings with the visiting King. We shall never relent until justice for all victims and families is fully served,”Said KHRC.
Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is a premier Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) established in 1992 with a mandate for enhancing human rights-centred governance at all levels.
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