Kenya to Pay Ksh.10M to Family of Slain Journalist Arshad Sharif
Top Pakistani news anchor Arshad Sharif.
Kenya Ordered to Pay Ksh.10M to Family of Slain Pakistani Journalist Arshad Sharif
The Kenyan government faces a court order to compensate the family of Pakistani TV journalist Arshad Sharif with Ksh.10 million. Sharif’s murder in 2022 has sparked legal and diplomatic tensions.
Court’s Decision and Government Response
High court judge Stella Mutuku declared Sharif’s killing unconstitutional, asserting his rights were violated. The family, led by widow Javeria Siddique, sued Kenya, arguing Sharif deserved protection and was wrongfully killed.
Appeal and Legal Proceedings
Despite the ruling, the state requested a 30-day suspension to appeal, which the court granted. This delay allows further legal maneuvers amid ongoing scrutiny.
Tragic Incident: Sharif’s Death
Fleeing threats in Pakistan, Sharif met his demise in Nairobi on October 23, 2022. Kenyan authorities, claiming mistaken identity during a pursuit of car thieves, fatally shot him at a roadblock.
Contradictions and International Scrutiny
A Pakistani fact-finding team found discrepancies in Kenya’s account, suspecting a pre-planned assassination. Their investigation included interviews, crime scene reconstruction, and scrutiny of Sharif’s electronic devices.
Pakistani Report: Assassination Suspicions
The team’s findings suggested deliberate targeting rather than accidental shooting. They highlighted evidence indicating precise aiming at a stationary vehicle.
Kenyan Response and Investigation
Kenyan authorities refrained from detailed comments, citing ongoing investigations. The National Police Service spokesperson emphasized the case’s complexity and ongoing nature.
Political Context: Treason Charges in Pakistan
Sharif’s flight from Pakistan stemmed from multiple treason charges. His reporting allegedly led to accusations of inciting mutiny, which he and implicated officials denied vehemently.
International Reactions and Calls for Justice
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and successor Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif demanded judicial inquiry, attributing Sharif’s death to his journalistic endeavors.
Autopsy Discrepancies and Medical Findings
Autopsy reports from Pakistan and Kenya diverged significantly. Pakistan’s examination noted twelve injuries, suggesting possible torture, while Kenya reported only two gunshot wounds.
Medical Speculations and Verification Challenges
Doctors hinted at injuries possibly linked to torture or struggle, awaiting confirmation from the Kenyan autopsy’s overseeing physician for clarity.
This case underscores tensions between journalism, state security, and international legal standards, prompting calls for transparency and justice in Sharif’s tragic demise.
