Autopsy confirm single bullet killed youth leader as PS Fikirini records statement

A post-mortem examination has confirmed that 28-year-old youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma, popularly known as “Ceska”, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, as investigations into the fatal shooting linked to Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs continue to gather momentum.

The autopsy, conducted today, July 2, 2026 by government pathologist Dr Bernard Midia and family representative Dr Joseph Dungu, established that Ouma sustained a fatal gunshot that caused extensive internal injuries and massive bleeding.

At the same time, today, Fikirini appeared before detectives at the Nairobi Regional Criminal Investigations Headquarters, where he recorded an official statement regarding the incident.

“We had two pathologists, one representing the government and the other representing the family,” Dr Midia told journalists after the examination.

“The conclusion is that he died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the left side of the chest,” he said.

According to the pathologist, the bullet first entered Ouma’s left forearm near the elbow before penetrating his chest, puncturing both lungs and eventually lodging near the spine.

“The bullet entered through the left forearm around the elbow region, entered the chest, puncturing the lungs, and got lodged in the spine,” Midia explained.

He said the projectile was successfully recovered during the post-mortem and has been handed over to investigators for ballistic analysis.

“We were able to retrieve the bullet, which we have handed over for ballistic investigations by the IPOA group. We now hand over the investigative processes to the authorities,” he added.

The findings come as detectives intensify investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ouma’s shooting on Tuesday, June 30, along Park Road in Nairobi.

Speaking after meeting investigators, Fikirini expressed sympathy to Ouma’s family, friends and colleagues, describing the death as a tragic and untimely loss.

“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 said.

“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 Principal Secretary said he would fully cooperate with investigators but declined to discuss details surrounding the shooting, citing the ongoing probe.

Fikirini disclosed that investigators have already recorded statements from seven people, including officials attached to his office.

“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 shooting occurred after a youth empowerment forum organised by the Youth Affairs State Department.

According to Ouma’s family, he had mobilised youths to attend the event and later approached the Principal Secretary’s vehicle to collect transport reimbursement for the participants.

His brother, Jeff Otieno, claimed Ouma had been handed KSh10,000 by the Principal Secretary but found the amount insufficient to cater for all the youths he had mobilised.

“He was given Sh10,000 by the PS, of which this money he told the guys who were waiting for the money that, I only have Sh10,000. 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,” Otieno said.

The family has accused the Principal Secretary’s bodyguards of using excessive force during the confrontation.

A youth leader who attended the event, Willie Maina, said panic erupted after gunshots rang out.

“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 recounted.

Newly emerged footage reportedly shows Ouma entering the Principal Secretary’s official vehicle shortly before the shooting.

According to police, the incident unfolded after about 100 youths allegedly surrounded the official vehicle demanding handouts as the convoy prepared to leave the venue.

Police said some members of the crowd opened the vehicle’s doors while the driver attempted to drive away towards Dr Griffin Road. During the commotion, valuables were allegedly stolen from the security officers, including two Nokia mobile phones belonging to the Principal Secretary’s bodyguards.

The vehicle’s rear windscreen was also smashed with stones.

Police say officers assigned to the Principal Secretary’s security detail fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd before patrol officers intervened and prevented the youths from pursuing the convoy further. Jacobs was later escorted safely to his residence.

Authorities have arrested one suspect in connection with the incident and say the individual is expected to be charged.

Ouma, a former student at the former Technical University of Kenya and a youth leader from Imara Ward in Embakasi, was rushed to Park Road Nursing Home after sustaining gunshot injuries but was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.

While preliminary police reports had indicated he sustained injuries to his left arm and chest, Thursday’s post-mortem established that the fatal injury resulted from a single bullet that entered through the left forearm before piercing the chest and causing catastrophic internal bleeding.

The recovered bullet is now expected to undergo ballistic examination as investigators seek to determine the firearm used and establish the circumstances under which the fatal shot was fired.