Pakistan journalist killing resurfaces in vetting of Ex-Kenya Army commander as ambassador

The death of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif resurfaced during the vetting of ex-Kenya Army Commander Lt. General (Rtd) Peter Mbogo Njiru as Kenya’s ambassador to Pakistan. 

While appearing before the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, Lt. General (Rtd) Njiru was tasked to explain how he would handle investigations into Arshad’s demise if approved as ambassador. 

The question was fronted by Imenti Member of Parliament (MP) Moses Kirima who said that the killing of the journalist was described in Islamabad reports as a 'planned' assassination. Kirima also declared to be a friend of Njiru who declared his net worth at Sh150 million. 

"This is a pending issue that hasn't been resolved. If it comes to my table, I know we have very competent institutions. My advice will be to allow the investigative institutions guided by the AG (Attorney General) to investigate, conclude and advise how the matter should be handled," the Embu-born career military man responded.

An elite Kenyan police unit is already on trial, charged with wrongful death, following the killing of Arshad Sharif in October 2022. 

Arshad, a critic of Pakistan's powerful military leadership, was killed when the car he was in with a compatriot drove through a checkpoint outside the Kenyan capital, forcing police to open fire.

At the time, police expressed regret over the shooting, saying it was a case of "mistaken identity" while they were searching for a similar car involved in a child abduction case. 

In Islamabad, police charged two Kenyan-based Pakistani businessmen, who had hosted Arshad in Nairobi, with involvement in his killing. The case has continued to draw international criticism from rights groups.

Njiru, who has an impressive military service of 39 years also explained how he would foster military collaboration between Kenya and Pakistan.

Lt. General (Rtd) Njiru Mbogo appears before the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee on Friday, April 5, 2024. (Photo: Eastleigh Voice)

 "There are numerous memoranda of understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and Kenya regarding security as well as aspects of peacekeeping. We collaborate a lot in terms of training and Pakistan being an advanced military country allows us to know what to do regarding security," he said.

Lagdera legislator Mohamed Abdikadir Hussein also sought to understand how Njiru had planned to transition from a military role to a civilian job and how he would navigate the changes.

"You're going to a station that is predominantly Muslim. How will you transition from military to civilian roles?" Posed the lawmaker, a member of the vetting committee.

Njiru responded by saying, "I have served in the military for 39 years. The military is the flipside of diplomacy. We undergo intense training in diplomacy at the highest level. Transitioning will be very easy for me. The system has taught me that I will not be there forever. I have socialised for transition."

Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie asked what measures he would take, if approved, to boost the trade balance given the current low trade volume. 

"One of the reasons we have a foreign policy is to enhance the country's image and interests too. The main export product to Pakistan is tea and this will remain as a rider and a premier product for us. I intend to create more opportunities and engage the stakeholders and encourage advertisements for Pakistanis to know what we can offer," Njiru stated. 

He added, "The focus will be expanding and increasing the export of tea to Pakistan. I will ensure we have collaboration between them and us. There are other areas we can benefit from Pakistan where we need to expand.” 

"It is the creation of awareness in Pakistan that will help us (boost trade) as we also help them know what we have," the General added. 

Njiru, a father of three was appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta as Commander of, the Kenya Army in July 2022 until his March 8, 2024, nomination by President William Ruto. 

He told the influential Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee that he has attended military courses locally and abroad focused on national and international security and strategy. 

Njiru previously served as a UN peacekeeping officer during the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict and as a peacekeeper's commander in South Sudan just before their referendum in 2011. 

"I have also served as an aide de camp of the president and I got the opportunity to interact with various international players," he explained. 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta witnesses the swearing-in of former Kenya Army Commander, Lt. General Peter Mbogo Njiru (centre) in July 2022 (Photo: PCS)