PS Fikirini Breaks Silence as Probe Deepens into Fatal Shooting of TUK Student
The Youth Affairs Principal Secretary says he has recorded a statement with police as investigations continue into the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Cecil Ouma following a youth forum in Nairobi.
Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs has spoken publicly for the first time after 28-year-old Civil Engineering student and youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma was allegedly shot dead inside his official vehicle.
The fatal incident happened on Tuesday evening, June 30, in Kariokor, Nairobi, shortly after a KIKAO youth empowerment forum. Reports indicate the shooting allegedly involved a bodyguard attached to the Principal Secretary.
Witnesses claimed a confrontation broke out over an alleged KSh 10,000 tip that had been left inside the PS’s vehicle before Ouma was shot in the chest during the commotion.
Breaking his silence on Thursday, Jacobs said he had recorded a statement with the National Police Service and confirmed that seven other individuals had also been questioned as investigations gather pace.
“I extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Cecil Ouma following his tragic and untimely death,” Jacobs said.
“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 said he had personally presented himself to detectives handling the case as authorities work to establish exactly what happened.
“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,” Jacobs disclosed.
His remarks come amid reports that the bodyguard accused of firing the fatal shot fled the scene after Ouma reportedly collapsed from excessive blood loss.
With public scrutiny mounting over the conduct of state security officers at public events, Jacobs insisted his office would fully cooperate with investigators.
“We are fully cooperating with the investigative agencies, and I will continue to make myself available throughout the investigative process,” the PS stated.
“I remain committed to providing every assistance necessary to facilitate an expeditious investigation and that justice is done.”
Ouma, a student at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), was pronounced dead on arrival at Park Road Nursing Home.
Investigators are now reviewing witness statements together with forensic evidence recovered from the vehicle as they seek to determine criminal responsibility in the shooting.
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