Youth Council Distances Itself From Calls for PS Fikirini Jacobs’ Resignation

Youth Council Distances Itself From Calls for PS Fikirini Jacobs’ Resignation

The National Youth Council (NYC) has formally distanced itself from reports circulating on social media and some online platforms alleging that it had demanded the resignation of Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs following the fatal shooting of youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 6, the council dismissed the reports as false and misleading, insisting that it has neither issued nor endorsed any calls for the removal of the Principal Secretary.

The clarification comes as investigations continue into the June 30 shooting during a youth empowerment programme in Kariokor, Nairobi County, an incident that has sparked widespread public debate and prompted calls for accountability from various quarters.

According to the National Youth Council, reports linking the institution to demands for the Principal Secretary’s resignation do not reflect its official position and should be disregarded by members of the public.

The council maintained that it remains a non-partisan State corporation established to champion youth empowerment, participation and development, and therefore does not engage in politically motivated campaigns or public pressure aimed at the removal of government officials.

“The National Youth Council (NYC) has taken note of recent media reports circulating in various mainstream and digital media platforms regarding the incident of the alleged shooting of youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and purported calls for the resignation of the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Mr. Fikirini Jacobs,” the council said.

It further emphasized that any suggestion that the institution had taken a position against the Principal Secretary was inaccurate.

“We wish to categorically state that the National Youth Council is not a party to these allegations, nor have we sanctioned any calls for the removal of the Principal Secretary,” the statement added.

The council explained that its constitutional mandate is centered on promoting the welfare, empowerment and participation of young people across the country rather than engaging in matters outside its legal responsibilities.

Officials noted that while the institution remains committed to protecting the interests of Kenyan youth, it also respects the country’s legal processes and the rights of public officers to fair administrative action.

According to the council, allegations against any public official should be investigated through the appropriate legal and administrative channels instead of being prosecuted in the court of public opinion.

“As a responsible State Corporation, we respect the rule of law and the due process afforded to all public officers. We believe that any grievances or accusations regarding the conduct of a public official should follow the established legal and procedural frameworks,” NYC stated.

The clarification follows several days of speculation online after reports emerged alleging that sections of the youth leadership had demanded the resignation of the Principal Secretary following the Kariokor incident.

The shooting occurred during a youth empowerment event attended by senior government officials, including PS Fikirini Jacobs.

Witnesses claimed that the confrontation began after disagreements reportedly arose over the distribution of cash tokens to participants.

According to accounts shared by individuals present at the scene, some youths became dissatisfied with the amount they received and attempted to return the tokens, leading to an altercation that quickly escalated.

During the confrontation, youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma sustained fatal gunshot injuries.

However, accounts surrounding the circumstances leading to the shooting have differed.

According to a source close to the Principal Secretary, some reports indicate that the deceased allegedly attempted to grab a firearm from one of the security officers assigned to protect the PS before the shooting occurred.

Those claims have not been independently verified, and investigators have not released an official account of the events leading to the incident.

Following the shooting, Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs recorded a statement with investigators as part of the ongoing inquiry.

The PS has also confirmed that seven individuals, including two members of his security team, were summoned by investigators to assist in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police have continued gathering witness statements and other evidence as investigations progress.

The case has attracted significant public attention, with youth groups, political leaders and civil society organisations calling for a transparent and impartial investigation to establish responsibility.

While the National Youth Council has now clarified that it has not demanded the resignation of the Principal Secretary, it reiterated its commitment to supporting lawful processes and urged the public to rely only on verified information issued through official communication channels as investigations continue.

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Youth Council Distances Itself From Calls for PS Fikirini Jacobs’ Resignation