Court extends inquiry into PS Fikirini bodyguard's fatal shooting, grants him bond

Makadara Law Courts has released Police Constable (PC) Rashid Charo, a bodyguard attached to Youth and Sports Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, on a personal bond of Sh20,000 pending further inquiry.

PC Charo was arrested on July 2 after presenting himself at Muthaiga Police Station. A team of lawyers, led by Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombetta, successfully applied for the return of his belongings, including his service firearm, to enable him to resume his duties.

Presiding virtually, Resident Magistrate Julius Mayiah directed that the matter be mentioned on August 10 upon completion of probe.

Charo had been under investigation for the fatal shooting of Cecil Ouma Onyango on June 30, 2026, following a public function at Social Hall, Kariokor.

The tragedy unfolded shortly after 1:00 p.m. as  PS Jacobs, accompanied by his security detail PC Charo and PC Peter Keter departed the venue.

A group of rowdy youths surrounded the entourage, demanding handouts. In the ensuing chaos, one of the individuals, Cecil, allegedly forced his way into the Principal Secretary’s official vehicle and say besides him.

The driver was immediately instructed to proceed to Pangani Police Station as members of the public pursued the vehicle on foot and motorcycles.

The vehicle was pelted with stones. As it became stuck in traffic, the youths caught up, with some attempting to seize the steering wheel from the driver. Inside the car, Ouma violently grabbed the PS by the collar while demanding money while some kept jostling the guards from the sides.

According to lawyer Danstan Omari, the PS calmly gave Ouma his own personal cash money that had not been provided by the government. Despite repeated urgings from the bodyguards for Ouma to alight, he refused. As a larger group of youths charged towards the vehicle, overwhelming the officers, PC Charo was reportedly overpowered and floored by the deceased while attempting to remove him.

In the heat of the melee, and amid grave threats to the Principal Secretary’s safety, PC Charo discharged his firearm in an apparent bid to disperse the crowd. The shot tragically struck the deceased.

Well-wishers rushed the deceased to Park Road Nursing Home, where he was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.

The incident was formally reported at Pangani Police Station under OB No. 94/30/06/2026 at 10:00 p.m.

PC Charo had been in custody for seven days. During the hearing, the investigating officer sought additional time to conclude comprehensive probes. However, the court granted the release on bond.

Omari emphasised that PC Charo’s primary duty was to protect the life of the Principal Secretary. “Had the PS been harmed, the circumstances would have been markedly different,” he stated. “This incident is devastating, and the PS is not happy about it. He has plans to visit the deceased’s family to condole with them.”

Forensic analysis presented in court reportedly showed no blood inside the vehicle, supporting the defence’s position that cecil was not shot while inside the car.

The authorities have pledged a thorough and transparent investigation, with the matter expected to proceed to a full inquest. PC Charo has not yet been formally charged. 

 As the case continues, the counsel has urged Kenyan youth to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful resolutions in moments of tension.