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Name: LAWS, Edwin Kingsley 'Babe' MVO (Rev.)

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Birth Date: 1906 Penarth, Glamorgan

Death Date: 15 Apr 2008 Wells

First Date: 1929

Last Date: 1951

Profession: Joined Kenya Police in 1929 as Asst. Supt. (Cadet). Left in 1952 on promotion as Commissioner of Police, Fiji. Member of Kenya Police Boxing Team 1930 (Source: Rev. Laws)

Area: Nairobi, Nyeri, Lumbwa, Naivasha, Eldoret 1939, NFD Marsabit, Moyale, Mandera

Married: In Eldoret 1939 Kirstie Dundas b. 28 May 1920 Marylebone, d. 1 July 2000 Wells

Children: Jane (1939); Peter Dundas (1944); Mary (1946)

Book Reference: EAWL, Habari 21, 27, Police, Staff 39, Hut, Colonial, EA & Rhodesia, Baptism, Barnes, Dominion

School: Berkhamsted School, Herts

General Information:

Police - In 1929 traffic problems at Nairobi had become a real headache for the Police. The first "white lines" were painted at the junction of Government Road and River Roads by Superintendent H.P. Rice, Cadet Asst. Superintendent E.K. Laws and Inspector Corry Thomas. On Saturday afternoons and some Sunday mornings they were busily occupied with their paint pots and brushes. There was a good bit of trial and error about the whole matter and often to the confusion of the motorist two or three lines of varying clarity would appear at some corners. The "island" in Delamere Avenue opposite the New Stanley Hotel did not exist then. But some empty petrol drums were placed in position as an experiment, while the Police strove to direct vehicular traffic in navigating these obstacles until the most convenient size and shape of the proposed island could be determined. This makeshift contraption became known as the "Barrellogram". For a time, at least, it furnished an intriguing game for motorists, which resembled one of ninepins, and was much enjoyed by all, perticularly after a party at Torrs Hotel. .......….
In June 1929 a selected parade of the Nairobi Police, and also their Lines, were inspected by Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Wilson, KCB, KCMG, KBE, the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. It was about this time, so the story goes, that Cadet Asst. Superintendent E.K. Laws earned his nickname of "Babe". As the VIP went down the line of officers and asked each one how many years service he had to his credit, the first one replied, "twenty years, sir," the second, "fifteen years, sir," and the third, "ten years, sir," and so on. When the VIP reached Laws he unexpectedly changed the form of his question and asked: "And how old are you, young man?" The "Babe" promptly replied "Two months, sir!" ..........
Much interest was aroused by the activities of a certain section of the Kipsigis tribe, known as Laibons or witch-doctors. Early in 1934 Asst. Superintendent E.K. Laws gave this subject a good deal of study and contributed an article about it to 'The Police Review', which was reproduced in the 'East African Standard' and also in 'The Times'. ........ awarded the King's Police Medal in 1936 for his services in the NFD.
East Africa & Rhodesia - 13/3/52 - Mr H.G. Colquhoun is the first member of the Nakuru Golf Club to win the monthly mug 4 times in succession. The previous record was held by Mr E.K. Laws who achieved 3 consecutive wins in 1947
Barnes - Early player for Kenya Police Rugby Club - 1930s
Dominion - Assistant Superintendent of Police - 1930
Habari 27 - KPR 1931 - Mr E.K. Laws (Cadet Asst. Supdt.) left during January for Marsabit on transfer. It will be remembered Mr Laws won the mile last year in great style.
Gazette - 2/4/1929 - Arrived on 1st Appointment - Assistant Supdt. of Police - E.K. Laws

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