Elections (Hansard, 28 March 1961)

§ 25 and 26. Mr. Turton
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware that, in the recent Kenya elections at Njoro, the New Kenya Party were displaying official banners linking a vote for them with the release of Kenyatta; and whether he is satisfied that intimidation was absent from these elections;
(2) whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the conduct of the Kenya elections last month.

§ Mr. H. Fraser
So far as the Kenya Government are aware, no banner coupling the name of Kenyatta with "Vote for the New Kenya Party" was displayed at this or any other election meeting. It was observed that at a meeting of the Kenya Coalition Africans were carrying placard's reading either "Vote for the New Kenya Party" or "Release Kenyatta", but both slogans were not displayed simultaneously on the same placard. My right hon. Friend does not consider that any inquiry into the conduct of the recent Kenya elections is necessary.

§ Mr. Turton
In view of the very many allegations of intimidation, bribery and corruption in the course of the recent elections in Kenya, will the Government send out to Kenya an impartial independent commission of inquiry to take evidence and to report?

§ Mr. Fraser
No, Sir. Any question of malpractice, bribery or corruption must come before the Kenya courts, and no such charges have been made.

§ Mr. Paget
Why do we put ourselves time after time in a position of saying that we will not give in to pressure and then give in to it? We shall give in. We shall release Kenyatta. Why not get on with it now?

§ Mr. Fraser
We have made it perfectly clear that we shall release Kenyatta when we consider that he is no longer a risk to law and order in Kenya.

§ Mr. Shinwell
Has not the hon. Gentleman ever heard of Tory intimidation at elections?

§ Mr. Fraser
I have heard of people releasing sparrows in Conservative meetings—

Hon. Members
What sparrows?

§ Mr. Fraser
From the Labour Front Bench.

§ Mr. Biggs-Davison
In view of the flippant and unsatisfactory replies of my hon. Friend, I beg to give notice that I shall seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment.