HC Deb 03 May 1950 vol 474 cc1674-6
16. Mr. A. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make upon the disturbances in North-West Kenya on 25th April when 20 tribesmen and three British citizens, A. J. Stevens, a district officer, G. M. Taylor, an assistant superintendent of police and R. G. Cameron, an assistant police inspector, were killed.

18. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the murder of three European police officers and one African police Askari iby Suk tribesmen; and whether he will make a statement.

23. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement in respect of the recent disturbances in Kenya.

Mr. J. Griffiths

A party of police, in the charge of administrative and police officers, went on 24th April to a remote place north of Lake Baringo, to investigate reports received from a missionary. They met a party of some 300 Suk tribesmen who had been raised by one Lucas Kipkech, an escaped convict and an adherent of a fanatical religious sect called the " Dini Ya Msambwa." While a parley was in progress the tribesmen attacked the police, who withheld their fire as long as possible, but were eventually forced to shoot. One administrator and two police officers were killed, one African policeman was killed and three wounded, though not seriously. Twenty-nine tribesmen were 1:11ed (including the leader), and approximately 50 were wounded. A strong force of police is now operating in the area, where, according to latest reports, the situation is in hand.

There will be an official inquiry, the findings of which I do not wish to anticipate.

I am sure the House will join with me in expressing its sympathy towards the relatives of the men who have been killed.

Mr. Brockway

While joining in that expression of sympathy, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that this trouble has been brewing for a long time and that he will find a description of it in Negley Farsons' " Last Chance In Africa "? Can he say whether the causes are not deep rooted in social and economic injustices, and will he make the inquiry cover more than the immediate occurences for these deeper reasons?

Mr. Griffiths

There will be an official inquiry into these very sad events, and when the report is before me I will consider whether any further action is needed. I would rather await that report

Mr. Sorensen

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there was foreknowledge of this particular sect or group and, in particular, of the alleged fanatic who led them? Can he also say whether the impulse from this group radiated over a much wider field, and can he associate with his observations any recognition of those deeper factors to which my hon. Friend the Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Fenner Brockway) referred?

Mr. Griffiths

I hope I carry the House with me when I say that I would rather await the official report and study it before considering what further action is necessary. I will bear all these points in mind.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

While associating the Opposition with the sympathy expressed with the relatives of those who were killed, is it not also true that some at least of these so-called deeper factors have been introduced into Africa from outside by people with very little experience of the practical problems involved?

Mr. G. B. Craddock

Would the Secretary of State agree that the contributing factor to this unrest, and not only to this but to other examples of it in that Colony, is that assistant district commissioners are not able to get round their districts because they are kept in their offices dealing with reams of paper work?

Mr. Griffiths

No, Sir, I do not think that is true.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

What is the position in regard to the compensation for the relatives of those officers who died while in the execution of their duty?

Mr. Griffiths

I should like to see that question on the paper.

Mr. Alport

Would the right hon. Gentleman undertake to ensure that the inquiry will be conducted as quickly as possible, in view of the concern which has been shown over this question?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, Sir.