Speculation On New Policy In Kenya

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29984, 20 November 1962, Page 15

Speculation On New Policy In Kenya

(N .Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, November 18.

Political observers in London todav speculated about the possibility of Britain adopting a new policy in Kenya’

The observers are puzzled over the reasons behind the sudden replacement of Sir Patrick Renison as Kenya’s Governor. Yesterday, Sir Patrick Renison's retirement and his replacement by Mr Malcolm MacDonald, was announced by the Colonial Office. Political circles in London said today Sir Patrick Renison’s sudden replacement seemed to hinge on the question of early general elections in Kenya. But a Reuter correspondent said there was some reluctance in these circles to accept the Colonial Office statement that “there has been no disagreement between Sir Patrick and the British Government on policy.” In his talks with the Colonial Secretary (Mr Sandys) in London last week. Sir Patrick Renison was reported to have emphasised the importance of speeding up Kenya’s general elections.

The leader of the Kenya African National Union, Mr Jomo Kenyatta, reportedly threatened to lead his party out of Kenya’s coalition Government unless elections were held this spring. In Nairobi today. Mr Kenyatta told a rally of his party that Sir Patrick Renison had retired as Governor “because things were getting too hot.” He said: “I'm sorry he should decide to leave now we’re about to get our independence. I don't want to say any more than that." But a party executive, Mr M Ki bat. told the rally Sir Patrick Renison had called Mr Kenyatta a “leader to darkness and death. He knows Mr Kenyatta is going to rule this country and that is why he has decided to quit.” Mr Tom Mboya. Minister of Labour and general secretary of K.A.N.U, said: “K.A.N.U. will work w’ith anybody, so long as he is working in the right direction.” The opposition leader in the Legislative Council, Air Commodore I. L. HowardWilliams, said: "The change may delay independence, and I think it is a great pity Sir

Patrick Renison wasn’t allowed to stay until the internal self-govenrment stage at least.” Mr Masinde Muliro, Minister of Commerce and vicepresident of the Kenya African Democratic Union, said Mr MacDonald seemed to be “the ideal man for Kenya.” Sir Michael Blundell, leader of the New Kenya Party, said: “It may be Mr MacDonald will find a way through Kenya's difficulties rather faster than we have experienced to date ”