HC Deb 15 November 1926 vol 199 c1520
22. Sir R. HAMILTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has received a petition on behalf of the widow and children of the late Paulo Pinto, who was killed by Masai during the rising of 1922; and if he can state whether it is intended to pay any compensation to the widow in respect of her husband's death and the loss of his property?

Mr. AMERY

A petition was received and answered in July last. The murderers were tried and condemned to death, no compensation being ordered by the Judge. The petitioner claimed compensation from the Masai tribe sufficient to provide maintenance for the widow and family, and both the present Governor and his predecessor regarded the claim as inadmissible. I saw no reason to dissent from this view.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Was not a very heavy fine imposed on the Masai in respect of this rebellion, and could not sufficient compensation be paid to the widow out of the balance of the fund?

Mr. AMERY

I am not aware of the circumstances, but I think the custom of paying blood money to individuals is not one we could very well take up in British law. Compensation for the actual losses caused was offered.

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