Kipsigis elders request King Charles III to visit Kericho

By Peter Ochieng

United Kingdom's King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set for a four day official visit to Kenya, next week.

Ahead of his first visit outside Europe since his coronation in May, 2023, Kipsigis elders want the King and the Queen to visit Kericho county.

The elders say they want an audience with him, over various issues, including the torture subjected to their forefathers during UK's colonial rule in Kenya.

They say during that period, they lost property among them land.

Joel Kimetto, Kipsigis Clan Association Secretary said: “The Kipsigis were oppressed by the British Colonial government and our ancestral land was taken away, a thing which has not been addressed up to date."

“We welcome the King and Queen to Kenya. As the Kipsigis community we are requesting King Charles III to find time to speak to the Kipsigis community,” added Paul Langat, the Vice Chair of the Kipsigis Clan Association.

"Our forefathers were tortured and their properties taken away. It is important for them to come visit and see the suffering our people encountered," he insisted.

This week, president William Ruto hosted UK's ambassador to Kenya Neil Wigan, ahead of the majesties visit. Ruto said the country is honoured to host the royal family.

"Kenya is honoured that King Charles III and Queen Camilla have chosen our country for their first visit to a Commonwealth nation. This choice is a testament to the depth of our relations and the mutually beneficial nature of our partnership," he said.

"The visit is a significant opportunity to enhance our collaboration in various areas of shared interest."

The King and the Queen are expected to visit various parts of the country, but Kericho has not been listed as one of them.

They will spent most of their time in Nairobi and Mombasa.