Arshad Sharif shot dead by Kenya police in ‘mistaken identity’

Nairobi: Pakistan’s acclaimed journalist Arshad Sharif was shot dead near the Nairobi-Magadi highway, in what Kenya authorities described as a “case of mistaken identity”.

A senior police officer said, “It was a case of mistaken identity,” adding that “police at a roadblock were looking for another vehicle that had been circulated”.

According to police, at the roadblock, there was a call to intercept a vehicle similar to the one Arshad and his friends were driving following a carjacking incident in Pangani area, where a child was taken hostage. 

A few minutes later, Sharif’s car emerged at the roadblock and they were stopped and asked to identify themselves. They allegedly drove past the roadblock which prompted a brief chase and shooting that left Sharif dead. 

Arshad was shot in the head while two other people who were in the car sustained injuries after the car lost control and rolled. 

The senior journalist was traveling from Magadi town to Nairobi when his vehicle was flagged down. 

“It is a very unfortunate incident,” said officials. 

Confirming the shooting, police stated that a comprehensive statement will be released later. 

In the meantime, Police headquarters said Independent Policing Oversight Authority will take over the case.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan’s High Commission in Kenya was in touch with the Kenyan authorities.

Arshad had left the country first for Dubai and later London in August after his channel parted ways with him, without citing any specific reason.

Things We Know So Far

1. Mr. Sharif died on the spot under a hail of bullets sprayed by police officers. 

2. The fatal shooting occurred around 9:00 pm Sunday night at Magadi Police Station.

3. The deceased was being driven by his friend, Khurram Ahmed. They were reportedly on their way from Kwenia in Magadi.

4. One bullet penetrated the back of  50-year-old journalist's head and exited the front. 

5. The shooting hit the vehicle from all sides, leaving it with nine bullet holes on the left side of the windscreen, where the slain journalist was sitting; two bullet holes on the rear left back screen, one bullet hole on the rear right door, four holes on right side of the boot, and one front right tyre that had been deflated.