Nairobi did not take the life of senior journalist Sharif as a mistake, according to the High Court in Kenya. The court has also ordered an inquiry into the conduct of police officers involved in light of this decision. Following a request by Arshad Sharif’s widow, the court made this ruling to seek justice for her husband’s untimely death.
The ruling directs that Arshad Sharif’s family receive a compensation of two crores and seventeen lakh rupees. This financial award aims to acknowledge the wrongful nature of his killing and offer some form of redress to his survivors.
Justice Stela, who presided over the case, said there was a need for thorough investigations into all circumstances surrounding. Arshad Sharif’s murder was 110 kilometers from Nairobi on October 23rd, 2022. Where he was shot dead by police officers based at a place known as Kapiti Plains police station. The events leading up to his death have raised serious questions about human rights abuse and illegalities in law enforcement agencies.
A fearless investigative journalist, Sharif had earned a reputation for reporting on issues affecting Kenyans. A particular interest in transparency and accountability within public service delivery systems. His demise, therefore, ignited widespread anger locally and internationally, coupled with calls for justice.
This decision by the High Court is seen as a landmark move seeking accountability, especially against impunity. When it involves state security organs such as the police force, it demonstrates judicial independence. While upholding fundamental freedoms enshrined in our constitution,” said a lawyer representing. The petitioner attended an interview session after the court session ended today.
He added: “This judgment will serve as a precedent not only condemning extra-judicial killings but also holding people accountable for their actions.”
After the judgment, many civil society organizations working on human rights praised this action as progressive. They characterized it as addressing systemic failures within law enforcement agencies, such as our police department, known for brutality against innocent citizens without legal redress mechanisms in place, despite years of calls for reforms.
However, media houses expressed fears that reporters might become soft targets during the news-gathering process, especially while investigating sensitive or controversial matters.
