Second arrest in Julie Ward case

A SECOND suspect was charged yesterday with the murder of the British tourist Julie Ward in a Kenyan wildlife sanctuary a decade ago.

David Kadula ole Nchoko, 28, a former clerk at the Masai Mara Game Reserve, was charged with murdering Ms Ward, then 28, in September 1988. The case was adjourned until 19 January.

If convicted, Nchoko, who was arrested on 28 December, faces the death penalty by hanging. As a suspect in a capital crime, he is not eligible for bail.

Simon Makallah, 49, a former chief warden at Masai Mara during Ward's death, has also been charged with her murder. His trial is scheduled to begin on 4 February.

Two park rangers were acquitted of Ms Ward's murder in 1992. The trial judge criticised the police for a flawed investigation. Makallah and Nchoko were prosecution witnesses.

Ms Ward's mutilated and charred remains were found in the park after she had been missing for seven days. Officials first claimed she had been attacked by animals.