Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs has recorded a statement with police as investigations intensify into the fatal shooting of youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma, who died after being shot in circumstances that remain under investigation.
Speaking on Thursday, July 2, Fikirini said he was fully cooperating with detectives handling the case and pledged that his office would continue working with law enforcement to establish what happened.
He also assured Ouma's family that justice would be served, following allegations that one of the officers assigned to his security detail may have been responsible for the fatal shooting.
The Principal Secretary expressed regret over the incident, saying he was deeply saddened by the loss of Ouma's life after the shooting involving members of his security team.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life that occurred following the incident involving my security detail," Fikirini said.
He also extended his sympathies to the deceased's family, friends and loved ones, describing the incident as a painful tragedy.
Fikirini was summoned by officers from the Nairobi North South policing division after investigators identified him as a crucial witness.
Police established that he was inside the vehicle when the shooting occurred, making his account important to the ongoing probe.
His appearance before investigators came days after detectives questioned members of his security team over the suspected murder. During the investigations, police confiscated two firearms belonging to officers attached to the Principal Secretary for forensic examination.
Investigators have also taken statements from five additional witnesses as they piece together the events leading to Ouma's death.
Fresh video footage that has since emerged reportedly shows Ouma entering Fikirini's vehicle shortly after attending a youth engagement forum. The footage is expected to play a key role in helping investigators reconstruct the sequence of events before the shooting.
The incident has continued to generate political reactions, with former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga questioning why Fikirini had remained in office despite the ongoing investigations.
Omanga also called on the Principal Secretary to step down as investigations continue. At the same time, she raised concerns over the alleged disappearance of several youths in Mathare following their reported arrest by police officers, urging authorities to provide answers.
Pressure for accountability has also come from legal scholar Professor Makau Mutua, who previously called for a thorough and independent investigation into the death of the 28-year-old youth mobiliser.
According to witnesses, chaos erupted around the vehicle moments before the shooting. Several youths were reportedly seen banging on its windows during the commotion before the door suddenly opened, with Ouma collapsing onto the ground with gunshot wounds.
He was immediately rushed to Park Road Nursing Home for emergency treatment. However, medical personnel reportedly pronounced him dead on arrival after he suffered extensive blood loss.
Police investigations into the fatal shooting remain ongoing as detectives seek to establish the circumstances surrounding Ouma's death and determine whether criminal charges will be preferred against those involved.
