King Charles III, the Head of the Commonwealth, has made a heartfelt appeal to Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga. The King urged the Azimio leader to embrace dialogue and resolve his dispute with President William Ruto.
The Monarch’s concern arises from the escalating violence in Kenya. Of particular concern is the loss of lives of protesters, as reported by various media.
In a statement issued through the Commonwealth Secretariat Spokesperson, the King expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence, conflict, and loss of life in Kenya. He also called upon all leaders and communities involved to prioritize dialogue as the means to address the challenges facing the country.
“While economic concerns may be at the root of the conflict, it is troubling to witness an increase in hate speech during the protests. We urge leaders from all political factions to de-escalate the situation,” an excerpt from the statement read.
The Commonwealth, which comprises 56 member countries, asserted its readiness to mediate and bring together the warring parties in Kenya. As the Head of the Commonwealth, His Majesty seeks to engage with the nation. He wants to support efforts to foster peace and stability amidst the current turmoil.
“Dialogue remains the most viable solution to the current situation. We strongly encourage all parties to engage in constructive dialogue based on Commonwealth values and mutual respect. Kenya’s leaders must swiftly explore practical and sustainable solutions to address their country’s challenges and unite their communities,” the Commonwealth spokesperson stated.
The statement followed a report by the Kenya Chapter of Amnesty International. The damning report revealed that 30 people lost their lives during anti-government protests in the past five months.
Amnesty International’s Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, attributed these deaths to extra-judicial killings by the police.
The Commonwealth statement came at a time when the King is planning an emotional visit to Kenya later this year.
The King’s visit to Kenya will be very emotional as he bids to put the Commonwealth at the centre of his reign. The trip is certain to evoke memories of his mother, Queen Elizabeth.
Kenya is where the Princess became Queen, aged 25, after the death of her father, King George VI, in February 1952.
An insider said: ‘It will be a poignant moment. Inevitably it will be a reminder of his young mother at the start of her reign. Now, he is at the start of his, but he has the advantage of experience, too”.
“It will also be an important marker for his reign that will underline how importantly he views the Commonwealth”.
The East African nation holds a unique place in Royal history as the then Princess Elizabeth was on an official visit there with Prince Philip when she heard that her father had died in the early hours of February 6, 1952, and she had ascended the throne.
The Royal couple had landed in Nairobi less than a week before to start a world tour on behalf of the ailing King.
While in Kenya, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited Sagana Lodge. The bungalow was given to the couple as a wedding present by Kenya’s government.
They then went on to the Treetops Hotel in Aberdare National Park. The late monarch entered a treehouse among the branches of a giant Mugumo fig tree as a Princess. She however came down a Queen.
The area around the hotel holds fond memories for the King, who has visited Kenya four times.
Nearby is the Prince Charles Campsite, a forest clearing where Charles grew his first beard. The growth happened while he was on safari during a visit with his sister, Princess Anne.
Other trips followed in 1977, 1978, and 1987.
