2 Arrested in Killing of Kenya Foreign Minister

Police Tuesday arrested two men who were once among the most powerful in the country, charging them with the murder of a fellow official who stood up to high-level corruption.

Former Foreign Minister Nicholas Biwott, known as Kenya’s “political Godfather,” and Hezekiah Oyugi, a presidential adviser dubbed “the Duke,” were formally charged in the slaying 20 months ago of Foreign Minister Robert Ouko.

His charred, mutilated body was found in February, 1990, in a bush near his home in Kisumu in western Kenya.

Biwott, 49, and Oyugi, 44, were named eight days ago as prime suspects in Ouko’s death by retired British detective John Troon, who was called in by President Daniel Arap Moi to conduct an independent inquiry.

Troon told a judicial inquiry in Kisumu that he believes the popular foreign minister was murdered because he had begun an investigation into high-level corruption.

Both men, until recently two of Moi’s closest political allies and key members of his inner circle of government, are believed to have amassed huge personal fortunes.

Moi’s government has been under growing attack at home and abroad for corruption and human rights abuses.