A Pakistani journalist has been shot and killed in circumstances that are both baffling and puzzling.

The killing comes at a time an investigation has been launched into the heartless murder of two Indian nationals in Nairobi in July.

The government must leave no stone unturned in establishing who committed the murder.

Our police service has an international reputation for resolving complicated criminal activities when called upon to do. This must be the time to cement that reputation by acting quickly to get the perpetrators.

The case of Ashraf Sharif, a 50-year-old investigative reporter, must provide the basis for the public and tourists to feel safe whenever they go, be it night or day.

It is also coincidence that yesterday the Independent Policing Oversight Authority released a report that has sadly implicated police officers in forced disappearances and unjustifiable extra-judicial killings all over the country.

Both foreigners and Kenyans must be assured that their lives are safe while they get busy building the nation.

But from the spate of killings in the lead-up to the hotly-contested election and its aftermath the level of murderous lawlessness could scare the most courageous tourists to think twice before hopping into a plane for Nairobi.

A new boss at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations was sworn in only six days ago.

The case of Sharif must show the type of meticulous zeal that he brings into office which should also serve as a signal that the legacy of his much-vilified predecessor George Kinoti comes to an end.

It is worth of note that President William Ruto has held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shebhaz Sharif as part of demonstrating the seriousness with which the two countries.

Our reputation as a safe place in which tourists and investors are welcome might as well be on the line.