Kenyan court holds police responsible for Arshad Sharif’s murder

NAIROBI: A Kenyan court has ruled that police are accountable for the unlawful killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif. The High Court in Kajiado has mandated the payment of 10 million Kenyan shillings (approximately Rs 21.7 million) to Sharif’s family.

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Justice Stella Mutuku’s ruling criticised the police’s use of lethal force against Sharif, describing it as unlawful and unconstitutional. She also rebuked the Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions, and other investigative agencies for delays in investigating and charging the officers responsible.

Justice Mutuku stated that state agencies cannot evade responsibility for Sharif’s death, highlighting their roles in the relief sought by Sharif’s family. Sharif’s wife, Javeria Siddique, through her lawyer, Advocate Dudley Ochiel, requested access to all evidence related to Sharif’s shooting.

The judge noted that the police admitted to shooting Sharif, even if it was a case of mistaken identity, and concluded that the respondents violated Sharif’s rights. She acknowledged that financial compensation cannot fully address the loss and suffering but deemed it an appropriate remedy.

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The court ordered the relevant authorities to complete their investigation, take necessary actions, including prosecuting responsible officers, and provide updates to Sharif’s family. The ruling declared that the shooting violated Sharif’s rights to life, dignity, and legal protection.

The court’s order for the 10 million shillings compensation has been temporarily suspended for 30 days, following the state’s plea for more time due to budgetary constraints. The suspension does not overturn the original judgment.