HC Deb 02 March 1961 vol 635 cc1740-2
34. Sir A. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the outcome of the general election in Kenya and the powers which the Governor will continue to exercise.

Mr. lain Macleod

The strength of the major parties after the elections for constituency members is as follows:

Kenya African National Union 18
Kenya African Democratic Union and supporters 12
New Kenya Party 4
Kenya Coalition 3
Kenya Indian Congress 3
The remaining 13 seats went mainly to independents. I am circulating full details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I understand that the election of the 12 National Members will take place on 16th March.

Under the new Constitution the Governor's constitutional powers are unchanged. He remains responsible for the administration of Kenya, in which he is advised and assisted by his Council of Ministers. In selecting the unofficial members of this Council he will naturally have regard to the distribution of parties within the Legislature, but the formation of a government is his responsibility.

Sir A. Hurd

Will my right hon. Friend agree that it is to the credit of all parties—and perhaps I may include the police—that what might have been a riotous election has passed off so extraordinarily quietly? May we take it that it will be the purpose of the Governor now to proceed to form a government to which he will invite all elected representatives, regardless of race, who are prepared to join in non-racial government? Will we treat Jomo Kenyatta in such a way that he is reduced to man size while the new Ministers are playing themselves in?

Mr. Macleod

I am sure that everybody is very happy that, contrary to many gloomy prophecies, the elections in Kenya went off so quietly and so well. The Governor will proceed to invite people to serve on the Council of Ministers, using the proportions of unofficials which were laid down in the Lancaster House Constitution. He may wish to wait for the election of the national members which, as I have said, is on 16th March. The full reasons both for not releasing Jomo Kenyatta from restriction and for removing him from Lodwar to Maralal were given yesterday by the Governor in a statement which, of course, had the full approval of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that the successful and peaceful outcome of the elections in Kenya is a compliment to his skilful handling of the constitutional talks? Will he let the significance of that be known in Northern Rhodesia? Is he aware that there is widely held regret in Kenya that Jomo Kenyatta is to continue to be held in detention, and will he give his personal attention to this matter so that the continued detention of Jomo Kenyata will not prejudice the formation of a successful administration?

Mr. Macleod

I am grateful for what the hon. Member has said, but the credit belongs to the people in Kenya. I hope that everybody who is invited to serve in this Government, whether African. European, or Asian, will realise that the question of whether a man is or is not released from restriction is in no circumstances a matter on which the Governor can bargain?

Sir H. Oakshott

My right hon. Friend mentioned the constitutional position and the powers of the Governor. Will not he encourage the Governor to make a public statement spelling out those powers in Kenya, as that might go a long way towards rebuilding confidence and perhaps to bring about a resumption of investment in Kenya?

Mr. Macleod

I am sure the Governor has that in mind and that at the proper time will make such a statement.

Following are the details:

Open Seats
Kenya African National Union 18
Kenya African Democratic Union and supporters 12
Independents 3
European Reserved Seats
New Kenya Party 4
Kenya Coalition 3
Independents 3
Asian non-Muslim Reserved Seats
Kenya Indian Congress 3
Kenya Freedom Party 1
Independent 1
Asian Muslim Reserved Seats
Kenya Muslim League 1
Independent 2
Arab Reserved Seats
Independents 2
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