Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs has broken his silence following the fatal shooting of youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma, expressing sympathy to the bereaved family and pledging his full cooperation with investigators probing the incident.
In a statement shared on Thursday, July 2, Fikirini described Ouma’s death as tragic and extended his condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased.
“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.
Fikirini noted that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation, adding that no family should have to experience such a painful loss.
“No family should have to endure such a loss, and no young life should end in such tragic and confounding circumstances,” he stated.
PS Fikirini Jacobs
The shooting occurred on Tuesday, July 1, shortly after a youth empowerment forum at Kariokor Social Hall in Nairobi. Ouma, a 28-year-old youth mobiliser, sustained fatal gunshot wounds during an incident involving members of the PS’s security detail. He was rushed to Park Road Nursing Home, where he was pronounced dead. Detectives have since launched investigations to establish exactly what transpired.
Addressing the ongoing probe, Fikirini revealed that he had already honoured a summons by the National Police Service and recorded a statement.
He further disclosed that seven other individuals, including officers attached to his office, had also recorded statements to assist investigators.
“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,” he said.
The PS maintained that he and his office would continue supporting investigators to ensure the matter is handled transparently and justice is served.
“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,” Fikirini added.
Police have since recovered firearms from officers attached to the PS’s security detail for ballistic examination as part of the investigations. Authorities say witness statements have been recorded while forensic and other inquiries continue to determine the circumstances that led to Ouma’s death.