A Pakistani news anchor was shot dead by police in Kenya after he fled his country to avoid sedition charges, investigators said, AFP reported.

Arshad Sharif, 49, was a critic of Pakistan's powerful military establishment and a supporter of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was ousted in a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April.

In a phone call with Kenyan President William Ruto, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a transparent investigation into Sunday's shooting.

Kenya National Police spokesman said the journalist was fatally shot by an officer after his car drove through a police barrier in the Magadi district.

That's when the policeman opened fire, he said. The National Police Service regrets this unfortunate incident, he said.

The killing sparked concern among the media and protests in the Pakistani city of Karachi.

According to a police report seen by AFP, the car carrying the two men was hit by about nine bullets, but it continued on to the home of another Pakistani national.

There, Sharif was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head.