PS Fikirini Jacobs breaks silence following controversial death of Cecil Ouma
By Aloys Michael, July 2, 2026The Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, Fikirini Jacobs, has broken his silence following the controversial death of political mobiliser Cecil Ouma, who 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 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,” the Facebook statement read, adding that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unresolved.
“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 stated.
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 claims from the family of Cecil Ouma, who claims 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.
His brother, Jeff Otieno, recounted that tensions escalated when Ouma attempted to distribute the funds.
“He was given Ksh10,000 by the PS, of which this money he told the guys who were waiting for the money that, ‘I only have Ksh10,000. 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,” he said.
A witness identified as youth leader Willie Maina said they responded after hearing gunshots at the scene.
“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,” he stated.
Fikirini, meanwhile, has reiterated his willingness to remain fully engaged with the investigative process, insisting that he will continue cooperating with authorities.
“We are fully cooperating with the investigative agencies, and I will continue to make myself available throughout the investigative process. I remain committed to providing every assistance necessary to facilitate an expeditious investigation and that justice is done,” he said, as scrutiny intensifies over one of the most high-profile youth affairs incidents in Nairobi in recent weeks.