NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives have recorded statements from seven people, including two bodyguards attached to Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, as investigations intensify into the fatal shooting of youth mobiliser and university student Cecil Ouma in Nairobi.
Ouma, 28, a Civil Engineering student at the Technical University of Kenya, was shot on Tuesday along Park Road shortly after attending a government youth empowerment forum organised under the State Department for Youth Affairs’ KIKAO programme in Kariokor.
Police said the statements form part of ongoing investigations aimed at establishing the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting. Investigators are also analysing forensic evidence and witness accounts to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Among those who have recorded statements are the two security officers attached to the Principal Secretary, a director from the State Department for Youth Affairs who was reportedly inside the PS’s vehicle during the incident, and other eyewitnesses.
Authorities have not disclosed who fired the fatal shot, and no arrests have been made.
Dispute Over Transport Money
According to Ouma’s family, he had mobilised about 60 young people to attend the government event.
His brother, Jeff Otieno, said Ouma was given Sh10,000 by the Principal Secretary to facilitate participants’ transport after the forum. However, the amount allegedly fell short of what the attendees expected.
“He was given Sh10,000 by the PS. He told the youths waiting for the money, ‘I only have Sh10,000. I don’t know how we will share it.’ They told him the amount was too little and advised him to return the money to the PS instead of fighting over it,” Otieno said.
According to the family, Ouma returned to the Principal Secretary’s vehicle to seek clarification over the transport facilitation, but an altercation allegedly ensued before he was shot.
Police have not independently confirmed the family’s account, and investigators are expected to establish the events leading to the shooting through witness testimony and forensic analysis.
Witnesses Recount Gunshots
Youth leader Willie Maina said he rushed to the scene after hearing gunshots near Park Road Primary School.
“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 said.
Ouma was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The incident has sparked concern among youth groups and civil society organisations, with calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Investigation Continues
The National Police Service has not indicated whether any of the individuals who recorded statements are being treated as suspects or witnesses.
Investigators are expected to review ballistic evidence, forensic findings and additional witness statements before determining whether criminal charges will be preferred.
Under Article 26 of the Constitution of Kenya, every person has the right to life, while the National Police Service Act requires officers to use force and firearms only where strictly necessary and in accordance with the law. Should the investigation establish that a firearm was unlawfully discharged, those responsible could face criminal prosecution.
Police have urged members of the public to allow investigators to complete their work, saying further details will be released once inquiries are concluded.