HC Deb 04 March 1953 vol 512 cc363-4
42. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consideration has been given to securing land, food and a means of livelihood for those Kikuyus who are compelled to migrate from their normal habitation; what steps are taken to discover to what extent those so transferred have been guilty of assisting Mau Mau criminals; and how many of those Kikuyus arrested or charged with crime come from Nairobi or other towns.

Mr. Lyttelton

They have been provided with food and transport. Substantial numbers of volunteers can be employed in development schemes both within the Kikuyu Reserves and in other areas of the Colony. Where Kikuyu have no claim to land in their Reserves the Kenya Government are examining the possibility of providing a means of livelihood for them elsewhere.

Resident labourers who are returned to the Reserves are screened by local police and headmen on arrival at their locations to ascertain what, if any, connection they have with Mau Mau. Persons against whom there is evidence of such activities are tried in the criminal courts of the Colony. Fifteen thousand six hundred and twenty-nine Africans were arrested in Nairobi, mostly Kikuyu. Of these, 5,353 have been charged with offences in connection with the emergency and the remainder have been released.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not this seem to indicate that a large number of the Mau Mau culprits come from Nairobi or the towns? In view of that, is not it desirable to try to discriminate between the criminal elements and the innocent elements? Lastly, does not this mean that greater efforts should be made whereby land and a means of livelihood should be secured for those who are compelled to migrate?

Mr. Lyttelton

I think the hon. Member should be chary of using the expression, "come from Nairobi" since a large part of the population is a migrant one. I do not want to commit myself, on the plans for resettlement outside the Kikuyu Reserve, to describing the areas until a little more investigation has taken place. But the matter is being pursued energetically.

Mr. Sorensen

What about land?

Mr. Lyttelton

That is what I mean.