HC Deb 17 March 1948 vol 448 cc2067-8
12. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what circumstances 11 Africans were killed and 20 injured when the police opened fire on members of a religious sect at Malikisi, a police post in Kenya; and what action has subsequently been taken by the Government.

Mr. Creech Jones

On 11th February a small group of police met a crowd of about 1,000 demonstrators of a religious sect who were proceeding to the police post at Malakisi with the expressed intention of liberating three of their number who had been arrested by the local African chief. The Assistant Superintendent of Police tried to persuade the crowd from their purpose. After he had been struck on the head several times and had fallen to the ground, and the crowd had started to attack the other police, he gave the order to fire with the result described. An inquest was ordered but I have not so far received the findings. I have asked the Governor for further information but I understand that there was no political motive in the incident and that no further disturbances have occurred.

Mr. Rankin

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any attempt was made in the first place simply to fire over the heads of the crowd before firing into them?

Mr. Creech Jones

I have no information on that point but, as I have said, I am awaiting further information from the Governor.

13. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what circumstances a British police inspector and two African constables were recently killed in Kenya; and what subsequent steps have been taken by the Government.

Mr. Creech Jones

Assistant Inspector Mortimer and two African Police were ambushed and killed by members of a fanatical religious sect in the course of enquiries into an assault on an African with whom members of the sect had quarrelled. A number of arrests were made and subsequently 17 persons were charged with murder and committed for trial.