Seven people grilled after youth mobiliser shot dead inside PS Fikirini's car

Seven people, including two bodyguards attached to Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, have recorded statements with police following the fatal shooting of political mobiliser Cecil Ouma inside the State official's vehicle in Nairobi.

Ouma was allegedly shot dead on Tuesday along Park Road after an altercation, moments after the PS left a Kikao programme in Kariokor.

Police are investigating the circumstances under which the shooting occurred, with detectives questioning two security officers attached to the PS, a director in the State Department for Youth Affairs who was reportedly inside the vehicle at the time of the incident, and several witnesses.

The family of the deceased has accused the bodyguards of using excessive force against Ouma, who they say had been contracted to mobilise youths to attend the government event.

According to the family, the dispute arose after the programme ended when Ouma reportedly approached the PS's vehicle to collect transport reimbursement for the youths he had mobilised.

"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 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.

The incident has sparked questions over what transpired moments before the shooting, with police expected to rely on witness accounts and forensic evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding Ouma's death.

Youth leader Willie Maina said they rushed to the scene after hearing gunshots.

"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,” Youth leader Willie Maina stated.

The body was moved to the mortuary as investigations continue. Police are yet to announce any arrests or indicate whether any of the individuals who recorded statements will face charges.