In a landmark ruling, the High Court in Kenya’s Kajiado has awarded 10 million Kenyan shillings to the family of Arshad Sharif, a Pakistani journalist who was tragically shot and killed by Kenyan police officers in October 2022.
The court’s decision marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for Sharif, who was living in self-exile in Nairobi at the time of his death.
Arshad Sharif, a senior journalist and former ARY News anchor, was fatally shot on October 23, 2022.
The incident, which the official police statement later described as a case of “mistaken identity,” sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
In her judgment, Justice Stella Mutuku condemned the use of lethal force, declaring it unlawful and unconstitutional.
“By shooting the deceased in the circumstances described in this case and which shooting has been admitted save for the allegation that it was mistaken identity, the respondents violated the rights of the deceased,” the judge stated.
Javeria Siddique, Sharif’s wife, had petitioned the court through her lawyer, Advocate Dudley Ochiel, seeking the release of all documents, evidence, films, photographs, and video recordings related to Sharif’s shooting from the Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions, Inspector General of Police, Independent Policing Oversight Authority, and the National Police Service Commission.
The court’s ruling is a culmination of a long and arduous legal battle, during which Kenyan investigative journalist Brian Obuya highlighted concerns over the protracted delay in the probe’s findings.
Obuya had been vocal about the need for a timely and thorough investigation into Sharif’s death.
The High Court’s decision has been met with a mixture of relief and sorrow by Sharif’s family and supporters.
While the financial compensation cannot bring back the beloved journalist, it represents a significant step towards justice and accountability.
Javeria Siddique, in a video message shared on Twitter, expressed her gratitude for the public’s support and acknowledged the victory.
“Together, we have secured justice for Arshad Sharif in Kenya. The fight for justice in Pakistan continues, and I hope you will keep supporting me in this struggle,” she said.