Investigative Pakistani Journalist Arshad Sharif Shot Dead in Kenya

An investigative reporter who was exiled from Pakistan has been shot dead in Kenya in an incident that police said was a case of "mistaken identity."

Journalist Arshad Sharif, 49, was a former primetime news anchor with ARY TV and had been an outspoken critic of the country's military establishment. The channel was taken off the air temporarily and Sharif fled the country to avoid arrest over sedition charges—inciting people to rebel against the state—earlier this year. Sharif alleged he was being harassed by the authorities and feared for his life, according to Aljazeera. He reportedly headed to Dubai in August, before moving on to Kenya.

His wife, Javeria Siddique, tweeted on Monday: "I lost friend, husband and my favorite journalist @arsched today, as per police he was shot in Kenya. Respect our privacy and in the name of breaking [news] pls [please] don't share our family pics, personal details and his last pictures from [the] hospital. Remember us in [your] prayers."

Sharif was shot after the vehicle he was in reportedly failed to stop at a police roadblock on the Nairobi-Magadi highway, which was set up to intercept a vehicle involved in a carjacking, police officials said.

The Kenyan newspaper The Star reported that he had been shot in the head, and later quoted an unnamed senior police officer as saying: "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." The paper added the driver of the car had been injured but was in a local hospital.

The National Police Service of Kenya released a statement about the incident on Monday, revealing Sharif had been killed while traveling in a car with his brother Khurram Ahmed. The statement concluded: "National Police Service regrets this unfortunate incident. Competent authorities are currently investigating the incident for appropriate action." It added the force "condoles with the family and friends of the deceased."

It was reported that Sharif had been working in Kenya on a documentary called Behind Closed Doors with Kenyan journalist John-Allan Namu, which was billed as exposing "corruption in high places and those who enable it."

On Monday, Namu tweeted: "Police reports claim that Arshad's death was as a result of a shooting in a case of mistaken identity." He also tweeted a trailer for the documentary but declined to comment further, later adding: "To those who have called and messaged to check on me, I am fine and safe. Thank you for your concern. I really do appreciate it. As for those asking for quotes on the story kindly reference my earlier tweets on the same."

Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, tweeted: "I am deeply saddened by the shocking news of journalist Arshad Sharif's tragic death. May Allah SWT grant him a place in Heaven. My deep condolences and prayers for the bereaved family."

And a few hours later, Sharif added: "Just had a [telephone] call with Kenyan President William Ruto about the tragic death of Arshad Sharif in [Kenya]. I requested him to ensure fair & transparent investigation into [the] shocking incident. He promised all-out help including fast-tracking the process of return of the body to [Pakistan]."

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has also commented on the shooting, but appears to have suggested that Sharif's death was connected to his investigative work. He did not offer any evidence for his apparent insinuation but tweeted: "Shocked at the brutal murder of Arshad Sharif who paid the ultimate price for speaking the truth - his life. He had to leave the country & be in hiding abroad but he continued to speak the truth on social media, exposing the powerful. Today the entire nation mourns his death.

"A proper judicial investigation must be instituted...Arshad Sharif's murder has sent shockwaves across Pak. It has highlighted an ongoing targeting of anyone who dares to criticize or question those holding power. When will our senior Judiciary act to ensure our citizens' fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution are protected."

Khan, a former cricketer, is facing his own political battles. Last week he was barred from holding public office for five years by authorities in Pakistan after he was accused of selling state gifts he had received while prime minister. Khan has denied the charges.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, an independent nongovernment organization, has also demanded an investigation. The group released a statement on Twitter saying: "A long, grim record of violent tactics to silence journalists explain why the reported murder of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya has sent shock waves through the journalist community. The [government] must pursue an immediate, transparent inquiry into the circumstances of his death."

Kenya's Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into Sharif's killing.

Newsweek has reached out to Kenyan police for further information and comment.