HC Deb 29 April 1953 vol 514 cc2122-3
10. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds ex-Chief Koinange has been detained in Kenya.

Mr. Lyttelton

Ex-Chief Koinange was detained under Emergency Regulation 2 (1) because the Governor was satisfied that for purposes of maintaining public order it was necessary to exercise control over him.

Mr. Brockway

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that ex-Chief Koinange was kept in prison for six months pending trial for murder and those of us who knew him never believed he was guilty of it, that he was entirely acquitted but immediately the acquittal took place was arrested by the Government under these Orders? Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider that action?

Mr. Lyttelton

It is not a matter for me to reconsider at all. Ex-Chief Koinange was detained under the equivalent of Regulation 18B in this country, and I am quite satisfied that there is no reason whatever why I should intervene.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Might I put one point which is of some importance to the Secretary of State? This ex-Chief was tried and was acquitted and it is of the utmost importance in Kenya that all the Africans should be taught to respect and look up to law and order. Does not this case tend to create the impression among them that almost immediately after acquittal this man was detained? Is not the Minister apprehensive that this might have a bad effect on the view which Africans take of law and order because of the coincidence of these two things?

Mr. Lyttelton

No, the threat to law and order is coming from the Mau Mau terrorists.

Mr. Griffiths

I appreciate that, but here is a man who was tried and acquitted, and is it not of the utmost importance that all Africans should look up to and respect the forces of law and order and the judicial procedure? In view of the coincidence of these matters, will not the right hon. Gentleman look at this again, because it tends to create an impression that although a man is acquitted nevertheless he is detained immediately afterwards?

Mr. Lyttelton

No, I am afraid I cannot give the right hon. Member a sympathetic answer. To be acquitted of murder is not any reason why, for other causes, a man should not be detained.