The pretense of noninterference in domestic affairs that usually accompanies economic assistance to the Third World slipped last week in Paris. An international consortium reviewing aid to Kenya warned President Daniel arap Moi that it would offer no new commitments until next May, and then only if Moi pushes through economic and social reforms.

Moi's mishandling of the economy and rampant corruption particularly frazzled the patience of the donor nations. Nearly two years ago, Foreign Minister Robert Ouko was murdered just as he was apparently preparing to reveal corruption scandals involving senior government figures. After the Paris meeting convened, Nairobi announced the arrest of three officials, including Nicholas Biwott, a Moi crony who had been named by investigators as a suspect in the murder. Moi is now expected to call multiparty elections for early 1992.