Synthesis of reports by East Africa Standard (Nairobi), Times (London), and Observer (London)

Somali chiefs and political delegates from Kenya’s northern province said in Wajir, northern Kenya, on Jan. 19 that they wanted to secede from Kenya and join the Somali republic. Twelve Somali chiefs from all over the eastern part of the province and 40 representatives of the People’s Progressive Party, which claims to be the biggest in the province, made these statements to Dr. Eduard Zellweger, Swiss constitutional lawyer and political adviser to Kadu.

The 12 chiefs, who had travelled from all over the eastern area of the province to meet Dr. Zellweger, told him that they were not interested in either Kadu or Kanu or their policies. They did not consider themselves part of Kenya and never had.

Somalis wanted British administration to remain until they were ready to join the Somali Republic, but not if it meant remaining under the yoke of Kenya. They would be happy to have some form of autonomy under British Administration, but not connected in any way with Kenya. They would rather secede from Kenya immediately without further British help rather than remain under Kenyan domination.

It was stated that attempts were being made to raise funds to send a small Somali team — probably three men — to London to watch Somali interests at the constitutional talks and advise their spokesman. The spokesman was expected to be the successful candidate for the Northern Province East seat vacated by the death of Mr. Ali Aden Lord in December.