Summary: King Charles in Kenya, first visit to Africa as a monarch

Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla are welcomed by the President of Kenya, William Ruto, and the first lady, Rachel Ruto, at State House in Nairobi, Kenya October 31, 2023. Arthur Edwards/Pool via REUTERS

Source: X80003

What we know

The British monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla is making his first visit to an African and Commonwealth nation since he became King
There were calls for an apology for Britain’s colonial rule from the Kenyan community
The King has expressed regret for Britain’s colonial rule in Kenya
The four-day visit, hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto, involves tours around key areas and exchanges with key statesmen in the East African nation

What they said

President Ruto said in a statement that "the deepest sadness that comes from the wrongs of the past due to the painful struggle for independence and sovereignty, as well as horrible and unjustified acts of brutality against Kenyans, there can be no excuse for that." King Charles also said at the Kenyan State House banquet: "In returning to Kenya, it is important to me to deepen my own understanding of these wrongs and to meet some of those whose lives and communities have been so badly affected."

Edward Sakyi