HC Deb 06 May 1953 vol 515 cc369-70
15 and 16. Miss Lee

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if the men identified as having raped a child of nine, Njeri d/o Njehia of Marmared Forest, near Thompsons Falls, on 27th December, 1952, have yet been brought to trial, before which court, and with what result;

(2) on what date and in which court, Kuria wa Ikumba was tried for beating and seriously injuring Wambui w/o Njoroge of Escaprement, Kiambu district. Kenya; what was the result of the trial; if he is aware that the father of Kuria wa Ikumba was beaten for trying to defend his daughter; and how many other instances of this kind, where members of the Home Guard have abused their authority, have been brought to his notice.

Mr. Lyttelton

I have asked the Governor for this information and will convey it to the hon. Member as soon as I receive it.

27. Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what investigation was made in the cases of Ngugi Muthama and Suphia Wanjiru, of which particulars have been sent to him; to which court and on what date these cases were brought; and with what result.

30. Mrs. Castle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the case of Njeri, wife of Mbiyu Gitau, of Kiambaa, and her treatment by Home Guards in Kenya, of which particulars have been sent to him; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Lyttelton

I am asking the Governor for reports on these cases and will let the hon. Ladies know as soon as I am able to answer their Questions.

Mrs. White

Can the right hon. Gentleman let us know whether there is a general direction in Kenya that, if Africans are brought into hospital suffering from the effects of personal attacks and violence, a report is made to the police, with instructions to take appropriate action?

Mr. Lyttelton

I could not give the hon. Lady a specific answer, but a circular drawing attention to this general subject has been issued, and I believe it would cover the point which the hon. Lady raised. If she would like me to pursue the matter further, I shall be happy to do so.