In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of Kenya has mandated the Kenyan government to pursue legal action against police officers implicated in the tragic killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif. The court’s decision came in response to a petition filed by Sharif’s wife, challenging the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
Kenyan High Court Judge, Justice Stella Motoko, emphatically denounced the actions of the police officers involved, labeling the shooting of Arshad Sharif as a blatant violation of human rights and illegal under Kenyan law.
The court’s ruling has directed the government to initiate stringent disciplinary measures against the responsible officers, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and equality before the law. Justice Motoko underscored that every individual is entitled to the protection of their rights as enshrined in the constitution, including the right to life.
Furthermore, the judgment highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into the killing of Arshad Sharif, condemning the withholding of information regarding the incident as a violation of the public’s right to transparency.
Arshad Sharif, a prominent figure in Pakistani journalism, had relocated to Nairobi following political upheavals in his native country. Tragically, on the night of October 1, 2022, he lost his life in Magadi, just outside Nairobi, due to gunfire from local police officers.
Born in Karachi, the 49-year-old journalist had held influential roles in various Pakistani news channels, including a tenure with ARY News. His departure from Pakistan came amidst political turmoil following a no-confidence motion against former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for Arshad Sharif, resonating both locally and internationally in the realm of press freedom and human rights advocacy.
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