Niaje! King Charles wows guests, speaks excellent Swahili

Piece by: MAGDALYNE SAYA

01 November 2023

• At the banquet, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were treated to Maasai dances and songs as they joined other leaders.

• He first started by greetings and went ahead to express how grateful he was to join them for the evening banquet

King Charles III astounded guests at the State Banquet on Tuesday when he spoke in excellent Swahili.

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto hosted a banquet at the State House for the King, who is in the country for a four-day visit with his wife Queen Camilla.

When it came time for speeches, the King surprised many by addressing the audience in Kiswahili.

He began by greeting everyone and then expressed his gratitude for being able to join them for the evening feast.

“Mabibi na mabwana, hamjambo, niaje, ni furaha yangu kuwa nanyi jioni ya leo,” he said.

This is translated to, ‘Greetings ladies and gentlemen, how are you? It is my pleasure to be with you this evening.

At the banquet, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were treated to Maasai dances and songs as they joined other leaders.

As they walked through the red carpet, Maasai dancers were positioned on the sidelines singing and dancing their cultural songs.

The two high-profile guests were in the company of President Ruto and Mama Rachel as they walked through the red carpet.

ODM leader Raila Odinga also joined other leaders at a State banquet organised in honour of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The ODM leader was accompanied by National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.

At State House, Raila was seen engaging various leaders including Cabinet Secretaries and politicians across the political divide.

Among those who were seen engaging the ODM leader included Tourism CS Alfred Mutua, UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala and President William Ruto's security adviser Monica Juma.

This is the first time Raila has been seen at the State House after the 2022 general elections.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa was among the corporate dignitaries present at the State House fete.

Members of Parliament, governors, senators and senior government officials were also present.

The King and Queen Camilla arrived in Kenya on Monday night.