PS Fikirini Jacobs records statement over youth mobiliser's murder

Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs on Thursday, July 2, recorded a statement with detectives at the Nairobi Regional Criminal Investigations Headquarters as probe into the fatal shooting of 28-year-old youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma gathered pace.

Speaking after recording his statement, PS Fikirini conveyed his condolences to Ouma's family, friends and loved ones, describing the incident as a tragic and untimely loss.

The PS said the circumstances surrounding Ouma's death remain the subject of an active investigation and hence couldn't be divulged to the public. 

He added that no family should have to endure such a loss and that no young person should lose their life in such circumstances. 

"I want to take this opportunity to send my heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the late Cecil Ouma following this tragic and untimely death," he noted. 

"The circumstances around Cecil's death remain distressing and are the subject of an active investigation. I believe no family should have to endure such a tragic loss. No youth should have their life end the way Cecil did. As such, I've responded to an invitation by the investigating agencies to record my statement as to what really transpired."

The PS disclosed that seven people, including two or three officials from his office, had already recorded statements with the investigators.

Ouma was allegedly shot dead on Tuesday, June 30, while inside PS Fikirini's car along Park Road. Reports indicate that the incident occurred after Ouma approached Fikirini's vehicle to collect transport reimbursement for the youths he had mobilised. 

According to the deceased's family, the PS's bodyguards used excessive force against Ouma.

"He was given Ksh.10,000 by the PS, of which this money he told the guys who were waiting for the money that, 'I only have Ksh.10,000. I don't know how we will share it.' The guys said that it is too little. Instead of us fighting, return the money to the PS. He went back to the PS vehicle. When he got there, they were already on the highway,” said Ouma’s brother Jeff Otieno.

One of the youth leaders who attended the event, Willie Maina, revealed that Ouma's body was found lying on Park Road Primary's perimeter wall. 

"Jam ilikuwa, tukaskia risasi zimelia, so we rushed to that event. Tukapata ilikuwa Park Road Primary. On the perimeter wall, the comrade was lying down," Maina stated.