National Youth Council denies demanding PS Fikirini Jacobs’ resignation, slams false reports
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 6, 2026The National Youth Council (NYC) has dismissed media reports linking it to calls for the resignation of Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, saying the reports are false and misleading and do not reflect the council’s official position.
In a press statement issued on Monday, July 6, 2026, the council said it had noted reports circulating across mainstream and digital media concerning the alleged shooting of youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma on June 30, 2026, and claims that the council had demanded the removal of the principal secretary.
The council categorically denied any involvement in such calls, maintaining that it has neither sanctioned nor supported any campaign seeking the resignation of the PS.
“The National Youth Council is not a party to these allegations, nor have we sanctioned any calls for the removal of the principal secretary,” the statement read in part.
The council emphasised that it remains a non-partisan institution whose mandate is to champion the welfare, empowerment and development of young people across the country, rather than engage in political disputes.
Respect for due process
The NYC underscored that as a state corporation, it respects the rule of law and believes that any allegations against public officials should be addressed through established legal and constitutional procedures.
According to the council, it has no statutory authority to demand the resignation of any public officer and does not intend to venture into matters that fall outside its legal mandate.
The statement reiterated that grievances or accusations against public officials should be handled through the appropriate investigative and legal frameworks instead of public campaigns.
Concern over false reporting
The council also expressed concern over what it termed the publication of false, unverified and unsubstantiated information by sections of the media.
While acknowledging the media’s critical role in informing the public and promoting accountability, the council warned that inaccurate reporting risks undermining public confidence, damaging reputations and heightening tensions.
“The dissemination of unverified information risks undermining public trust and inflaming tensions, which runs counter to the principles of peace and stability we uphold,” the statement noted.
Call for responsible journalism
The National Youth Council urged media houses to exercise greater diligence by verifying facts before publishing stories, particularly those touching on public institutions and government officials.
It further appealed to media organisations to desist from spreading misinformation and encouraged all stakeholders, including the media, civil society and the public, to promote dialogue anchored on factual accuracy, transparency and mutual respect.
The council said it remains committed to openness and pledged to continue communicating its official position through its established communication channels whenever matters affecting Kenyan youth arise.
Cecil Ouma’s death
A political mobiliser, Cecil Ouma, was shot dead in Nairobi under circumstances now under active police investigation as pressure mounts for clarity over what happened during and after a government engagement in Kariokor in which the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, Fikirini Jacobs, was in attendance.
In a statement on Thursday, July 2, 2026, the PS expressed deep sorrow over the incident while extending condolences to the bereaved family, describing the death as both tragic and distressing.
“I extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Cecil Ouma following his tragic and untimely death,” Fikirini stated.
“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,” he added.
The shooting, which occurred on Tuesday along Park Road shortly after a Kikao programme in Kariokor, has triggered an ongoing probe involving multiple individuals linked to the principal secretary’s office.
Police say seven people, including two bodyguards attached to the PS, have recorded statements as detectives piece together what led to the fatal confrontation. Officers are also questioning a director within the State Department for Youth Affairs who was reportedly inside the official vehicle at the time of the incident, alongside several witnesses who were present in the area.
PS Fikirini confirmed that he has already cooperated with investigators, stating that he personally recorded a statement with the National Police Service.
“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 case has drawn heightened public attention amid a statement from the family of Cecil Ouma, who said that the fatal confrontation stemmed from a dispute over transport reimbursement for youths mobilised for the government event.
According to the family, Ouma had been contracted to mobilise attendees and was later involved in a disagreement after being issued Ksh10,000 meant for the coordination of the group.