Arshad Sharif Death: Senior journalist shot dead in ‘mistaken identity’ case, Kenyan police
Senior journalist Arshad Sharif was shot dead in a mistaken identity case, it was confirmed by Kenyan police on Monday.
According to the details Arshad Sharif was killed by police after he and his driver allegedly breached a roadblock.
“Senior journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif was shot dead by the police Sunday night in a mistaken identity case while travelling to Nairobi from the country’s Magadi town,” reported Kenyan newspaper The Star citing law enforcement officials.
“We had an incident of shooting which turned out to be a case of mistaken identity involving a journalist. We will release more information later,” a Kenyan police officer told the newspaper.
“Sharif was shot in the head and killed by police after he and his driver allegedly breached a roadblock,” he said.
The news of Arshad Sharif’s death has left every on devestated in the home country.
Arshad Sharif is survived by a widow and five children.
The slain journalist was previously associated with ARY News. He left for Dubai after resigning from the channel a few weeks ago.
As reported, before going to Kenya, he was spotted in London a few days back after arriving from Dubai.
Federal Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed that the body of Arshad Sharif, the slain Pakistani senior journalist, has been identified in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.
“Pakistan High Commissioner, Kenyan police authorities, and doctors are currently in the mortuary, where Sharif’s body has been kept,” the minister said.
She added that the procedure for the repatriation of his body had been initiated. “We have requested Kenyan authorities to expedite the procedure,” Aurangzeb further said.
On the other hand, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed grief over the death of the journalist and said that the Pakistani government is in contact with Kenyan authorities in this regard.
“The unbelievable incident of journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder is extremely shocking and an irreparable loss to the journalist community of Pakistan.”
“I offer my condolences to journalist Arshad Sharif’s family, journalist community, and his fans,” said the foreign minister.
Details of the incident involving the slain Pakistani journalist are being shared from Kenya.
Body of slain renowned Investigative journalist #ArshadSharif has been found at Kenya's Chiromo Mortuary, 78 Kilometres from where Police say shooting happened. Body appears to have two gunshot wounds. Pakistan Embassy officials on site. pic.twitter.com/g21NrSwUEK
— Brian Obuya (@ItsBrianObuya) October 24, 2022
Official police report now says; #ArshadSharif and his brother Khuram found the road blocked 'with small stones and they decided to pass it, it was then that they heard several gunshots." The report does not say WHO was fring the shots. pic.twitter.com/wIJmVj8QMu
— Brian Obuya (@ItsBrianObuya) October 24, 2022
Further details now show that #arshadShariff motor vehicle was shot at NINE times. FOUR of those bullets to the left side of the vehicle. One bullet deflated the right side tyre. pic.twitter.com/gLq6awMhuL
— Brian Obuya (@ItsBrianObuya) October 24, 2022
Key questions about #ArshadSharif killing.
— Eliud Kibii (@eliudkibii) October 24, 2022
Why was he in Nairobi? What had he gone to Magadi town? Who hosted him/ where was he staying? Why did his driver fail to stop at the police roadblock (according to police narrative}? Why did the police shoot at occupant?
Arshad Sharif was working on an explosive investigative documentary on the corruption, titled as "Behind Closed Doors". The documentary also featured a prominent Kenyan investigative reporter @johnallannamu, which may explain why #ArshadSharif may have travelled to #Kenya. pic.twitter.com/1GalIyXJzF
— Irum Azeem Farooque (@Irumf) October 24, 2022
کینیا پولیس نے ارشد شریف اتفاقی قتل کی زمہ داری قبول کرلی نیروبی پولیس نے اب سے تھوڑی دیر قبل ارشد شریف کیس کے حوالے سے تفصیلی رپورٹ میں اقرار کیا ہے کہ ارشد شریف کو نیروبی پولیس نے مطلوب ملزم کی غلط شناخت میں ہلاک کردیا ارشد کے بھائی خرم ان کے ساتھ موجود تھے تفصیلات مندرجہ زیل pic.twitter.com/8QcrVtnrVI
— Kamran Khan (@AajKamranKhan) October 24, 2022
The brutal killing in a case of mistaken identity has left the citizens fuming on social media. While voices demand an investigation into the matter.
#Pakistan🇵🇰 #Kenya🇰🇪 Claims of “mistaken identity” are not credible. The procedure is to immobilise the vehicle or intercept it at a later stage & repel hostilities (if any) by firing on hostiles. Non-violent passengers should never be shot at. Demand investigation. #ArshadSharif pic.twitter.com/0UZoWfrti3
— International Human Rights Foundation (@Declaracion) October 24, 2022
Press freedom is one of the indicators of gauging the democratic values of a country. Pakistan ranks 157 in press freedom index. It is very unfortunate!#ArshadSharif
— Suleman Raza MBE (@iamsulemanraza) October 24, 2022
