The fatal shooting of youth organiser Cecil Ouma in Nairobi has taken a new legal and political turn after Senior Counsel Nelson Havi called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs and his security team.
Ouma was shot dead in Kariokor shortly after attending a youth empowerment event linked to the PS.
Witness accounts indicate that the shooting occurred inside or near the PS’s vehicle following a brief confrontation, with a bodyguard reportedly identified as the suspected shooter.
In a statement, Havi argued that the incident reflects a deeper problem involving the conduct of senior government officials and their role in political mobilization.
“I have this perspective to the killing of Cecil Ouma in the presence of and by the bodyguards of PS Fikirini Jacobs,” Havi stated, directly linking the tragedy to the presence and actions of the PS’s security detail.
He criticised Principal Secretaries for engaging in political activities, insisting that their constitutional role is strictly administrative.
According to Havi, such involvement creates unnecessary interaction with civilians that can escalate into conflict.
“PSs should concentrate on their work as technocrats and avoid engaging in political activities. Similarly, the people should refuse being engaged by PSs in political activities,” he added.
Havi further called for accountability, stating that both the PS and his bodyguards must face the law.
“In the meantime, the PS and his bodyguards should be arrested and charged,” he said.
The remarks add pressure to an already sensitive case that has raised questions about the use of firearms by state security officers and the conduct of public officials during public engagements.
While investigations remain ongoing, authorities have yet to publicly confirm arrests linked to the shooting. The role of the bodyguard, remains central to the probe.