§ 77. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he intends to take in view of the widespread opposition in Kenya to the method of election of twelve additional members to the Legislative Council.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am aware that the African constituency elected members expressed their intention beforehand not to take part in the choice of specially elected members, and their disapproval of any African willing to stand. In the event, however, the four African seats were contested by more candidates than those of any other group. The twelve new members have announced their joint intention to promote policies without racial or sectional bias, in the following statement, which I think is very satisfactory
We the specially elected Members of the Legislative Council of Kenya met on the morning following our election and have resolved to form an Association with the primary object of promoting policies for the benefit of Kenya as a whole without racial or sectional bias.We have appointed an interim committee to draw up draft articles of Association and rules which will cover amongst other provisions the qualifications for various types of members and the permanent pattern and organisation of the Association. It is our intention to produce a policy statement which will provide a lead and a guide to the vast numbers of peoples of all races in Kenya whose main desire is the economic, political and social development of the country as a whole and not the propagation of selfish interests nor the domination of one race or sect over another.We, as the first Members of Kenya Legislative Council to represent all races, recognise that we carry a heavy responsibility, but we are confident that, with the tolerance and understanding which exists and which we are determined to increase, we will attract the support of the great majority of our fellow Kenyans and we will be able to lead our country to greater harmony and prosperity.