Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs has broken his silence following the fatal shooting of 28-year-old youth mobiliser and Technical University of Kenya student Cecil Ouma after a government youth empowerment event in Nairobi, pledging full cooperation with investigators as police seek to establish what transpired.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Jacobs expressed sympathy to Ouma’s family and confirmed that he had recorded a statement with detectives investigating the incident.
“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 circumstances surrounding Cecil’s death are deeply distressing and remain the subject of active investigations. No family should have to endure such a loss, and no young life should end in such tragic and confounding circumstances.”
The Principal Secretary added that he had already appeared before investigators, alongside several members of his team.
“Earlier today, I recorded a statement with the National Police Service regarding the incident. Seven other individuals, including officers serving in my office, have also recorded their statements as part of the ongoing investigations.
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 that justice is done.”
His statement came hours after police confirmed that seven people, including two bodyguards attached to the Youth Affairs Principal Secretary, had recorded statements as detectives pieced together the events leading to Ouma’s death.
Shooting after youth empowerment forum
According to investigators and witnesses, Ouma had mobilised about 60 young people to attend a government youth empowerment forum held under the State Department for Youth Affairs’ KIKAO programme in Kariokor on Tuesday.
After the event, Ouma allegedly approached Jacobs’ vehicle regarding transport reimbursement for the youths he had mobilised. Family members say he had initially been given KSh10,000 to distribute among the group, but participants considered the amount insufficient and asked him to return to the Principal Secretary to seek clarification or additional funds.
Witnesses allege that Ouma entered the official vehicle, where a confrontation ensued before a gunshot was heard. He was later found with a gunshot wound and rushed to Park Road Nursing Home, where he was pronounced dead. Police have not publicly confirmed what occurred inside the vehicle or identified the individual who discharged the firearm.
Investigations underway
Detectives are relying on witness statements, forensic evidence and accounts from those who were inside or around the vehicle at the time of the shooting to establish the sequence of events. Among those questioned are two security officers attached to the Principal Secretary, a senior official from the State Department for Youth Affairs who was reportedly inside the vehicle, and several civilian witnesses.
So far, police have not announced any arrests or indicated whether anyone questioned will face criminal charges as investigations continue.
Growing calls for accountability
The shooting has sparked widespread public concern and renewed calls for accountability from political leaders, civil society and members of the public.
Several leaders have demanded an independent, transparent investigation into the incident, insisting that anyone found responsible should face the full force of the law regardless of their position.
As investigations continue, Ouma’s family says it is seeking answers over the circumstances that led to the death of the university student, while detectives work to determine whether the fatal shooting resulted from the lawful use of a firearm or constituted a criminal act.
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