KING Charles has been asked for an “unequivocal public apology” for colonial abuses from the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) during his visit to the country this week.
Between 1952 and 1960, as Kenya fought for independence, British soldiers forced 1.5 million Kenyans into concentration camps for their suspected involvement in the anti-colonial Mau Mau uprising – where they faced torture, rape and violence.
The KHRC said: “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.”
Chris Fitzgerald, deputy private secretary to the King, said when the foreign tour was first announced a few weeks ago: “The visit will also acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya shared history, including the Emergency (1952–1960).
“His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya.”
KHRC, meanwhile, said there was “no indication” that the king was going to offer a “full and unconditional apology”.
In 2013, the British Government made a historic statement of regret over the “torture and other forms of ill-treatment” perpetrated by the colonial administration during Kenya’s Emergency period of 1952-1960, and paid out £19.9 million to around 5,200 Kenyans for human rights abuses.
The development came after a legal battle between a number of elderly victims and the British Government.
