Trial begins for Kenyan police unit accused of murdering Pakistani journalist

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - A specialized unit of the Kenyan police was put on trial Tuesday for the murder of Arshad Sharif, a prominent Pakistani journalist killed in October 2022.

Sharif, known for his unflinching and critical reporting of the Pakistani military and government, had been subjected to multiple death threats in the years leading up to his death.

Javeria Siddique, Sharif’s widow, revealed she initiated legal proceedings against Kenyan police for their alleged involvement in her husband's murder.

"After this incident, my perspective on Kenya changed completely, they never issued a public apology, and they never even sent a note to our family, they were so cruel and ignorant with us," Siddique told Anadolu.

"So that is why I decided to file this case in Kenya for my husband to get justice and all those Kenyan police to be punished, and Kenyan police should apologize publicly," she added, noting she is determined to seek justice.

Siddique pledged to continue her fight for press freedom in Pakistan and across the globe.

The trial is being heard by Lady Justice Stella Mutuku of the Kajiado High Court, 90 kilometers (56 miles) to the south of Nairobi, the nation’s capital.

Sharif's death sent shockwaves through the journalistic community, not only in Pakistan but across the globe.

His fearless reporting and dedication to uncovering the truth made him a symbol of press freedom in a country where such liberties are often challenged.