§ 30. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what sentences were passed upon two African interrogators who were convicted at Nyeri of beating a Mau Mau detainee, Kibebe Macharia, to death with rubber straps.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydBoth were acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to three years' imprisonment.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs not this an astonishingly mild sentence for beating a man to death simply because, having confessed to two Mau Mau oaths, he refused to confess to a third? After all the assurances which the House was given at the time of the Kaman Kichina case, how does it happen? Is there no supervision exercised over interrogations in Kenya?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI cannot comment on judicial sentences. I am quite ready to consider placing a copy of the judgment in this case in the Library of the House. I am satisfied that this is one of those isolated cases in complete disobedience of constantly repeated instructions. The hon. Member should, I think, bear in mind that apart from the unfortunate death of this man, since February, 1957, over 5,500 detainees and 715 convicts have been sent forward to district works camps for release from this particular camp without any incident. I hope that that will help to put the matter in perspective, but I am in no way attempting to exonerate people who are guilty of such offences.
§ Mr. PagetIs not it very distressing the way in which these isolated cases continually turn up in Kenya and always the sentences seem to be so utterly inadequate? If this activity is being repressed, why is it that when it does happen occasionally, an example never seems to be made?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI do not think the hon. and learned Member will expect me to comment on judicial sentences.