The security detail attached to Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs has come under scrutiny following the fatal shooting of a young man during a youth empowerment event, with legal scholar Makau Mutua leading calls for an independent investigation into the incident.
The deceased, identified as Cecil Ouma, was reportedly attending the event when he was allegedly shot by a security officer attached to the Principal Secretary. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive account of what transpired.
Reacting to the incident, Mutua described the death as a tragedy and urged investigators to ensure that everyone found responsible is held accountable.
“It’s tragic Cecil Ouma, a young man attending a youth empowerment event, was allegedly shot dead by a security officer attached to Youth Affairs PS Fikirini Jacobs. This tragedy must be investigated thoroughly and fully so that everyone responsible faces the full force of the law. There must be no place in our society for such a calamity.”
His remarks add to growing public concern over the incident, with Kenyans on social media demanding transparency and justice for Ouma’s family.
Calls for an independent probe
Mutua’s statement emphasized that accountability must be pursued regardless of the status of those involved, arguing that any loss of life in such circumstances warrants a thorough, impartial investigation.
Human rights advocates have also consistently maintained that security officers entrusted with protecting public officials must adhere to the law and use force only when it is strictly necessary and proportionate.
What reportedly happened
- Cecil Ouma, 28, was among dozens of youths attending a youth empowerment forum in the Kariokor area of Nairobi that was attended by Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs.
- Witnesses told reporters that after the event, the PS allegedly offered money to the group. According to the witnesses, Ouma was selected by fellow attendees to return the money because they considered the amount insufficient to share among the group.
- Witnesses claim Ouma entered the PS’s vehicle to return the money. Shortly afterwards, they allegedly heard a commotion inside the vehicle.
- They further alleged that Ouma then fell from the vehicle, bleeding from a gunshot wound, before the vehicle sped away toward Pangani Police Station.
- Ouma was rushed to Park Road Nursing Home but was pronounced dead on arrival. His family said he had sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest.
Allegations involving the PS’s security officer
Media reports indicate that the shooting has been linked to a bodyguard attached to Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs. However, authorities have not publicly released the findings of any investigation, and responsibility has not been established.
Family seeks justice
The death of Cecil Ouma has left family members, friends and members of the local community mourning, with many calling for justice and a transparent investigation.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as inquiries progress, while the outcome of the investigations will determine whether any criminal or disciplinary action will be taken against those involved.
For now, the shooting has reignited debate over accountability among security personnel attached to senior public officials, with many insisting that any officer found to have acted unlawfully should face the full force of the law.