Reparations is the idea of compensating victims of Africans slavery and their descendants for they suffered under colonialists.The idea is known to have emerged during the colonial era.
Reparations vary from race and ethnicity. Both Whites and Blacks have their view on reparations. Some Whites view the idea negatively.They see it unnecessary because they didn’t personally participate in slavery or benefit directly.Some feel it’s a punishment for actions they didn’t commit and which were in the past. However others see it necessary for it’s justice to the oppressed.
Blacks view reparation as a matter of justice to their ancestors, arguing that the legacy of slavery continues to disadvantage African communities in terms of education ,wealth and access to opportunity. Reparations might not necessarily heal the wounds of enslavement but they can address some of the economic and social inequalities . They cannot heal the trauma or fully compensate for the exploitation during the slavery period but in a way their effectiveness healing wounds may depend on how they are implemented and perceived.
Reparations that are sincere address past injustices and bring about reconciliation and their impact may be felt rather than those that are perceived as token gestures or political maneuvers .
In Kenyan ,during British colonial rule , Kenyans experienced significant injustices including forced labour , brutality, human rights abuse and hostility among settlers.The calls to address these inhumane treatments have included calls for reparations from British government. However ,Kenyans have not received formal reparations like the Mau Mau uprising did.
In 2013 the British government issued a statement of regret and announced settlement with Kenyan who had been subjected to abuses during the pre-colonial period .The settlement included compensation payments to individuals as well as fundings for infrastructure projects . While the settlement represented significant acknowledgement for past wrongs, it was not considered a full reparation package by many Kenyans.
In 2023 when the King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited Kenya.The King shared their regrets as the British government for the abuses during the pre-colonial period. He further said though we cannot change the past through honesty and openness, the relationship can be strengthened. Africans did not also consider that remorseful, in fact they pointed out that he ran shot of an apology. Some Whites did not even find it necessary for the king to show his regrets.
In conclusion reparations continues to be a deeply emotional issue reflecting the ongoing legacy of racism. While reparations have potential to address historical injustices, their effectiveness in healing the wounds of enslavement is yet to be felt. Calls for reparations remain important issue aimed at promoting reconciliation some time in future.
By NELLY WANGECHI, Second Year Student pursuing a BA degree in Journalism and Mass Communication student in Chuka University
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
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