Ex-Chief Koinange

HC Deb 22 July 1958 vol 592 cc220-1

54. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds ex-senior Chief Koinange is kept in detention in Kenya.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I would refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Stonehouse) on 15th July.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the fact that this man is over 90 years of age, is infirm, has been acquitted, has been kept in detention without trial and is now under house arrest, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will reconsider this very vindictive treatment of a man whom many of us know and none of us believes is guilty of any advocacy of violence?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I cannot, on behalf of the British Government or the Government of Kenya, accept what the hon. Gentleman said at the end of his supplementary question. This must be a matter to be settled by the Governor of Kenya. Acquittal on a murder charge does not carry with it the assumption that a man is not a threat to public order.

Mr. Stonehouse

In view of the fact that this man is over 90 years of age, will the right hon. Gentleman intervene in this case and see that he is released and allowed to return to his home? In what possible way can a man of this age be a threat to public order?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I think the hon. Gentleman knows very well that ex-Chief Koinange has very considerable influence. With the Kikuyu, as with many other peoples, influence increases with age. I am not prepared to disregard the present situation in the Kiambu district or the advice of the Governor.

Mr. Brockway

In view of that unsatisfactory reply, Mr. Speaker, I will raise this matter on the Adjournment as soon as you permit me to do so.