Constitutional lawyer Willis Evans Otieno has called for a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma, saying no political activity should result in the loss of a young person's life.
Mr Ouma, a 28-year-old Civil Engineering student at the Technical University of Kenya, died after he was shot following a youth empowerment event in Kariokor, Nairobi, that was attended by Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs.
A post-mortem examination established that Mr Ouma died from a single gunshot wound. The bullet reportedly entered through his left forearm before penetrating his chest, causing severe internal injuries and massive bleeding.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, with detectives having recorded witness statements and subjected firearms recovered from the scene to ballistic analysis.
Reacting to the incident, Mr Otieno said the death had raised serious concerns and underscored the need for accountability.
"No political activity should end in the loss of a young person's life. No family should have to bury a son because of events surrounding what was supposed to be an empowerment exercise," he said.
He said Mr Ouma's family deserved answers on the events leading to his death.
"Cecil Ouma deserved to return home. His family deserves the truth, and if any criminal wrongdoing occurred, those responsible must be held fully accountable under the law," Mr Otieno said.
The incident has sparked calls from leaders and rights advocates for a transparent investigation and accountability for those found culpable, amid concerns over security at political and public events.
