HC Deb 05 November 1947 vol 443 c202W
31. Mr. C. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons the Kikuyu who participated in a demonstration at Government House, Nairobi, last February have been required to sign a bond to keep the peace; why they are still in custody; and what offences have been committed by the men.

Mr. Rees-Williams

Nine persons were arrested for creating a disturbance and refusing to leave the grounds of Government House after the Governor had addressed a party of 250 Kikuyu about their grievances. Later a magistrate bound them over in their own recognisances to keep the peace for twelve months, but they have consistently refused to sign the necessary bond despite frequent explanation of the position to them both by officials and by an African member of the Legislative Council. The law requires that they be kept in custody until they sign or the period of the bond expires.

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