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

By Our Reporter Maurice Momanyi

Nairobi, July 6, 2026 — The National Youth Council (NYC) has dismissed reports linking it to calls for the resignation of Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs over the alleged shooting of youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma.

In a press statement released on Monday, the Council said it had noted media reports claiming it had endorsed demands for the PS to step down following the June 30, 2026 incident. The Council, however, termed the reports false and clarified that it had neither sanctioned nor participated in such calls.

The NYC said it remains a non-partisan State corporation whose mandate is to promote the welfare and empowerment of young people across the country, adding that the reports do not reflect its official position.

“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 reads.

The Council further emphasized that it has no legal authority to demand the resignation of a public officer, noting that any grievances against government officials should be addressed through established legal and constitutional processes.

While reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the Council urged Kenyans to allow due process to take its course instead of relying on unverified allegations circulating in the media.

The statement also expressed concern over what it described as false and unsubstantiated reporting, warning that the spread of unverified information could erode public trust, fuel unnecessary tensions, and undermine national peace and stability.

The Council called on media organizations to strengthen fact-checking before publishing sensitive reports and urged all stakeholders—including the media, civil society, and the public—to promote constructive dialogue based on factual accuracy and mutual respect.

The statement comes amid heightened public debate surrounding the alleged shooting of youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma and growing scrutiny of senior government officials, including PS Fikirini Jacobs. The Council maintained that it will continue executing its statutory mandate without engaging in political disputes beyond its legal responsibilities.