Questions mount as DCI widens probe into Cecil Ouma’s killing

Detectives have widened the scope of the investigations into the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Nairobi youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma to include possible attempts to conceal the circumstances surrounding his death, as homicide investigators seek to establish what transpired inside the official vehicle of Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs moments before the fatal shot was fired.

Investigators attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), including officers from the Homicide Investigations Bureau, are pursuing evidence that could support murder and possible accessory after questions emerged over how Ouma, popularly known as “Ceska”, was allegedly shot inside the Principal Secretary’s vehicle but was later found outside the convoy instead of being immediately rushed for emergency medical treatment.

Sources privy to the ongoing probe intimated that they are reconstructing Ouma’s final moments by analysing witness statements, forensic evidence and the movements of everyone who was inside the vehicle.

Among the issues under scrutiny are whether the vehicle was cleaned after the shooting, whether he died in the car or not and if any occupants changed their clothes to conceal evidence, the sequence of events that led to Ouma’s body being found near Park Road Primary School.

Investigators are also examining whether all those present in the vehicle have given consistent accounts and whether any actions taken after the shooting amounted to an attempt to obstruct investigations.

The broadened scope of the probe comes as Fikirini and seven other individuals have already recorded statements with detectives.

On Thursday, July 2, 2026, the Principal Secretary appeared before investigators at the Nairobi Regional Criminal Investigations Headquarters, where he was questioned over the incident before issuing a public statement expressing sympathy to Ouma’s family.

“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,” Fikirini 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 and disclosed that seven other individuals, including officers attached to his office, had also been questioned.

“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 expanded investigations gathered further momentum after a post-mortem examination established that Ouma died from a single gunshot wound that caused catastrophic internal injuries.

The autopsy, conducted by government pathologist Dr Bernard Midia and family representative Dr Joseph Dungu, found that the bullet first entered Ouma’s left forearm near the elbow before passing into the chest, puncturing both lungs and lodging near the spine.

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

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

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

He confirmed that the projectile had been recovered and handed over for forensic examination.

“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 ballistic examination is expected to establish the firearm from which the fatal bullet was fired and could become a critical piece of evidence in the investigation.

Ouma was allegedly shot on Tuesday, June 30, shortly after a youth empowerment forum organised by the Youth Affairs State Department.

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

His brother, Jeff Otieno, said Ouma had been given Sh10,000 but realised the amount was 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 and wants those responsible held accountable.

Newly emerged video footage has reportedly captured Ouma entering the Principal Secretary’s official vehicle shortly before the shooting, placing him inside the convoy during the crucial moments now under investigation.

Another youth leader who attended the event, Willie Maina, recalled hearing gunshots before discovering Ouma lying 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.

Police have maintained that about 100 youths surrounded the Principal Secretary’s vehicle demanding handouts as the convoy attempted to leave the venue.

According to police, some members of the crowd forced open the vehicle’s doors while the driver sped off towards Dr Griffin Road. During the chaos, two Nokia mobile phones belonging to members of the Principal Secretary’s security detail were allegedly stolen and the vehicle’s rear windscreen was smashed with stones.

Police say officers assigned to the Principal Secretary fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd before patrol officers intervened and escorted the Principal Secretary safely from the scene.

Authorities have since arrested one suspect who is expected to face charges.

Detectives are expected to rely on forensic evidence from the vehicle, ballistic findings, witness testimony, mobile phone data and surveillance footage to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine whether additional criminal offences, including possible attempts to cover up the fatal shooting, were committed.

The outcome of the ballistic analysis and forensic examination of the vehicle is expected to play a central role in determining whether those present inside the Principal Secretary’s convoy bear criminal responsibility for Ouma’s death or for any actions allegedly taken after the shooting.