HC Deb 23 January 1957 vol 563 cc35-6W
5. Mrs. Castle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now take steps to establish the independence of the police force in Kenya on the lines advocated by Colonel Young in view of the improved situation there.

Mr. Maclay

The Government of Kenya have affirmed the independence and impartiality of the police in detecting crime and bringing offenders to justice. So long as the preservation of the peace of Kenya is the responsibility of a Governor, who is represented in the various areas of the country by Provincial and District Commissioners, the ultimate authority for giving general directions to the police in the case of threats to the preservation of order and good government must remain with these officers. This position is not affected by improvement in the state of emergency.