President William Ruto on Tuesday, October 31, hosted a State Banquet in honour of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, at State House, Nairobi.
The royal dinner was graced by high profile guests from both Kenya and the United Kingdom including Opposition leader Raila Odinga who was present.
Present during the dinner were PCS Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries, Ambassadors from both countries and leaders from both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio.
Speaking during the dinner, President Ruto said," The visit by His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla is a showcase of the immense accomplishments achieved by Kenya and the United Kingdom during six decades of strong, dynamic, and fruitful bilateral relations. As a vocal nation advocate for decisive global climate action, we commend you for your leadership on climate change and advocacy for sustainability and environmental conservation."
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The Head of State added," I trust that this visit, focused on community, sustainability, and innovation will inspire stronger Kenya-United Kingdom relations and bolster the Commonwealth and its stated purpose of building a development focused global community of nations."
On his part, King Charles III noted that he was delighted to be back in the country.
"It is well known that my mother the late queen had a particular affection for Kenya and the Kenyan people. Nearly 50 years later, it was here inside Mt Kenya that my son proposed to his wife. For my part, I recall as if it was yesterday my first visit to Kenya in 1971," he stated.
At the same time, his majesty recalled the painful past shared between the two countries adding that he would seek to deepen his understanding of the wrongs.
"We must also acknowledge the most painful times of our long and complex relationship. The wrongdoings of the past are a cause of the greatest sorrow and deepest regret. There were unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans as they fought for independence and for that, there can be no excuse.
"In coming back to Kenya, It matters greatly to me that I should deepen my own understanding of these wrongs and that I meet some of those whose lives and communities were grievously affected," remarked King Charles III.
