NAIROBI, Kenya — A three-judge bench of the Court of Appeal is set to deliver a critical ruling on June 21 regarding the murder of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif.
The case, which has drawn international attention, centers on an appeal filed by Sharif’s widow, Javeria Siddique, challenging the Kenyan government’s stay order that stalled the implementation of a High Court decision seeking accountability for his killing.
The bench comprises Justices Daniel Musinga, Francis Tuiyott, and Mumbi Ngugi, who are expected to determine whether the July 2023 ruling— which called for action against those responsible for Sharif’s death— should be enforced.
Sharif, a prominent investigative journalist, was shot dead by Kenyan police on October 23, 2022, in what authorities initially claimed was a case of mistaken identity.
The explanation was widely criticized, prompting calls for an independent inquiry.
Representing Javeria Siddique, Barrister Ochiel Dudley argued that the Kenyan government had obstructed justice by withholding critical investigative details from Sharif’s family.
He cited constitutional provisions protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals and called for a substantial increase in the compensation awarded.
“The Sh10 million compensation is inadequate. Based on precedent, including the Owino-Uhuru case, and given the prolonged delay in justice, we propose an award of Sh250 million,” Dudley stated.
The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has also joined the case, underscoring broader concerns over press freedom and journalist safety.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), represented by Counsel Festus Kinoti, dismissed claims of a cover-up.
He maintained that the state had followed official diplomatic channels to share investigation details with the Pakistani High Commission.
“By May 29, 2023, the investigation had been concluded and submitted to the relevant authorities. There is no question of a delayed probe or refusal to share information,” Kinoti argued.
The Inspector General of Police and other respondents also opposed the appeal, asserting that Siddique should file a separate civil case if she seeks an upward revision of the compensation.
The case has sparked tensions between Kenya and Pakistan, with the latter’s Supreme Court expressing frustration over the slow progress.
A six-judge bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, recently criticized Pakistan’s failure to finalize a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) agreement with Kenya— a key step in cross-border investigations.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail suggested that daily progress reports might be necessary to push authorities into action.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Attorney General blamed the lack of access to the crime scene for the stalled investigation.
Sharif fled Pakistan in 2022, citing threats to his life, before meeting his untimely death in Kenya.
His killing has since been marred by legal and diplomatic hurdles, with both Kenyan and Pakistani authorities accused of foot-dragging.
