Fikirini Records Statement Over Cecil Ouma Shooting as Probe Deepens
Fikirini Jacobs has recorded a statement with police as investigations intensify into the death of youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma, who was fatally shot under unclear circumstances in Kariokor.
The incident, which has sparked public concern and renewed debate over the use of firearms by security officers attached to government officials, occurred shortly after a youth engagement forum attended by the Principal Secretary in Nairobi.
Police officers visited the PS’s office in Nairobi on Thursday afternoon and questioned him alongside several officials linked to the incident. The officers handling the investigation had earlier summoned the Principal Secretary as they sought to establish what transpired during the chaotic events that led to Ouma’s death.
Speaking on Thursday, July 2, Jacobs expressed sorrow over the incident and extended his condolences to the deceased’s family.
“I extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Cecil Ouma following his tragic and untimely death,” the PS said.
He described the loss as painful and assured the public that his office would cooperate fully with investigators.
“The circumstances surrounding Cecil’s death remain distressing and are the subject of an active investigation. I believe no family should have to endure such a tragic loss. No youth should have their life end the way Cecil’s did,” he stated.
The Youth Affairs PS further pledged to remain available to investigators throughout the process.
“My commitment is that I will continue to make myself available for any investigations into this tragic death,” he said.
Jacobs confirmed that he had already honoured an invitation from investigators and had recorded a statement detailing the events leading to the shooting.
“I have responded to an invitation by the investigating agencies to record my statement on what really transpired. Already, seven people, including three from my office, have been summoned and shared their side of the story,” he added.
According to the PS, seven other individuals, among them officers attached to his office, have also recorded statements with investigators.
“We are fully cooperating with the investigative agencies, and I will continue to make myself available throughout the investigative process. I remain committed to providing every assistance necessary to facilitate an expeditious investigation and ensure justice is done,” he said.
The Principal Secretary also assured Ouma’s family that justice would prevail once investigations are completed.
Police officers investigating the case consider Jacobs a key witness after it emerged that he was inside the official vehicle at the time of the shooting.
The summons came a day after members of his security team were questioned by detectives probing Ouma’s suspected murder.
Investigators have since seized two firearms belonging to officers attached to the PS for forensic examination as part of efforts to establish whether one of the weapons fired the fatal bullets.
Police also recorded statements from five other witnesses believed to have been present during the incident.
New footage reviewed by investigators reportedly showed Ouma entering the Principal Secretary’s vehicle shortly after the youth sensitisation meeting before the convoy attempted to leave the venue.
Moments later, chaos erupted as a large group of youths surrounded the vehicle.
Reports indicate that the official vehicle sustained extensive damage during the incident, forcing the PS to seek refuge at a nearby police station before he was later escorted to safety.
Ouma, a 28-year-old former student of Technical University of Kenya, was a youth leader in Imara Ward and had attended the youth engagement meeting alongside other local leaders and residents.
According to police reports, nearly 100 youths surrounded the Principal Secretary’s vehicle while demanding handouts from those inside.
Investigators say some individuals opened the vehicle’s doors as the driver attempted to speed away towards Dr Griffin Road.
During the confrontation, several valuables were allegedly stolen from the occupants of the vehicle.
Police reports indicate that a Nokia mobile phone belonging to one bodyguard and another Nokia handset belonging to a second officer were stolen during the incident.
The rear windscreen of the vehicle was also reportedly smashed using stones thrown by members of the crowd.
Security officers attached to the PS allegedly fired warning shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd as patrol officers rushed to the scene.
The intervention by police officers reportedly prevented the crowd from pursuing the convoy further.
The Principal Secretary was later escorted safely to his residence by officers from the National Police Service.
Authorities have since arrested one suspect who is expected to face charges related to the disturbance.
It was during the confusion that Ouma was allegedly shot in the stomach before being rushed to Park Road Nursing Home for treatment.
Medical officials at the facility confirmed that a man suffering from gunshot wounds had been brought to the hospital but later succumbed while receiving treatment.
Investigators later established that Ouma had sustained multiple gunshot injuries.
The body was found with two gunshot wounds on the left arm and another gunshot wound on the left side of the chest below the breast.
Police officers processed the scene before transferring the body to Chiromo Funeral Home pending a post-mortem examination.
The findings of the post-mortem are expected to play a crucial role in determining the exact cause of death and the trajectory of the bullets.
Meanwhile, Ouma’s colleagues and fellow youth leaders rushed to the mortuary after receiving news of his death, describing him as an active mobiliser who had dedicated his time to community engagement and youth empowerment initiatives.
The shooting has attracted widespread attention as Kenyans await answers regarding the circumstances under which the young mobiliser lost his life.
Investigators are now expected to rely on forensic evidence, witness testimonies and ballistic examinations to determine who fired the fatal shots and whether criminal charges will follow.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in a case that has raised serious questions about security operations during public engagements involving government officials.