On this momentous day of justice served, the Kenyan court ruled on the tragic case of the death of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif in Nairobi in 2022. A historic decision that condemns the use of unjustified violence by law enforcement and highlights the crucial importance of protecting journalists in the exercise of their profession.
Judge Stella Mutuku declared that the death of Arshad Sharif was not only unlawful but also unconstitutional, pointing out the inaction of the Kenyan authorities in the investigation into the tragic event. Arshad Sharif’s family has maintained that the journalist was deliberately shot dead by an elite Kenyan police unit, raising questions about the real motivations behind the violent act.
In a case that sparked international outrage, Pakistani investigators’ conclusion that Sharif’s death was a “planned assassination” reinforced the suspicions of the family and human rights activists. The impunity enjoyed by the police officers involved in this case is a stain on the Kenyan judicial system, which must guarantee the protection of all, including journalists in search of the truth.
The court’s decision to order Kenyan authorities to conclude their investigation into the agents responsible for the death of Arshad Sharif is a step in the right direction. Likewise, the awarding of compensation to Sharif’s family shows that justice can still be served, even in such tragic circumstances.
For Sharif’s widow, Javeria Siddique, this decision represents a crucial step towards recognizing the truth about her husband’s death. Even if the pain remains and the loss is irreparable, the fact that light has finally been shed on the circumstances of his death brings a semblance of relief in this painful mourning process.
In concluding this dark chapter in the history of Kenyan justice, it is imperative that the lessons learned from this case serve as a constant reminder of the need to protect journalists and ensure their safety as they carry out their noble mission. The truth always comes out eventually, even in the midst of the deepest darkness. The fight for justice and freedom of expression continues, in memory of Arshad Sharif and all those who sacrificed their lives for the truth.