UN calls for accountability in killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif while in Kenya

Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, has called on the Kenyan government to ensure full accountability for the death of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, who was shot two years ago at a roadblock in Kajiado on October 23, 2022. Police described the incident as a case of mistaken identity.

In a ruling on July 8, 2024, the Kenyan High Court deemed the use of lethal force in Arshad's death "unlawful and unconstitutional," ordering the government to compensate his family with Sh10 million (approximately $77,500).

However, the court granted the state a 30-day period to appeal and mandated that police complete their investigations.

Justice Stella Mutuku emphasised the importance of prosecuting any officers found responsible for the shooting.

Despite the ruling, Khan expressed concern over the lack of action taken, noting that no arrests have been made and no charges filed against those involved in the killing.

"It has been nearly two years since Arshad Sharif's death, and several months since the Kenyan High Court delivered a historic ruling deeming his killing 'unlawful,' 'arbitrary,' and 'disproportionate.' Yet, none of the police officers linked to the shooting have been arrested, and prosecutors in Kenya have not filed any charges," she said.

The international community has scrutinised Arshad's death, especially following a report by a Pakistani fact-finding team in December 2022, which suggested it may have been a planned assassination by transnational actors.

Arshad had previously fled Pakistan due to threats to his life and faced charges for criticising the military, sparking public outrage and allegations implicating the military in his murder.

Khan urged both Kenyan and Pakistani authorities to intensify their investigations into Arshad's death, asserting that true justice can only be achieved when all responsible parties are identified and prosecuted.

"This case should serve as a landmark reference in the fight against impunity for the killing of journalists."

Furthermore, she noted that a Joint Investigative Team from Pakistan, established by the Supreme Court, encountered significant obstacles, including denied access to crucial evidence and the crime scene by Kenyan authorities.

Khan continues to engage with both governments, advocating for the political will necessary to ensure accountability and justice for Arshad.