File image of PS Fikirini Jacobs.
Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs’s bodyguard Rashid Charo has been released on a Ksh20,000 bond.
Charo, who is accused of fatally shooting youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma, was freed on Wednesday after being arraigned before the Makadara Law Courts.
Resident Magistrate James Mayiah granted a plea by Charo’s legal team to be released from police custody on cash bail.
The court also directed that the case be mentioned on August 10 for further directions.
Speaking after the hearing, Lawyer Danstan Omari confirmed that the court has agreed to have Charo released from police custody.
“Today we came to court, and they say they have completed the investigation, and currently they have no evidence to charge him.
“They were asking for him to be released on bail; the court has agreed; we have also agreed that he be released on a personal bond and let him go back to work,” Omari stated.
Omari also defended his client, saying Charo was acting in self-defence after the deceased forced himself into PS Fikirini’s vehicle.
“The deceased forced entry into the car, and as you know, my client’s responsibility is to protect the life of the PS. There was a scuffle between the PS and the deceased, and the bodyguard decided to remove him from the vehicle,” said Omari.
The incident happened on Wednesday last week, following a function in Kariokor, Nairobi, where a group of youths allegedly demanded handouts.
The victim boarded PS Fikirini’s official vehicle, which then sped off toward the police station while being pelted with stones by a pursuing crowd.
During the confrontation, Charo discharged his weapon and shot Ouma, who was pronounced dead after being rushed to a nearby medical facility.
A post-mortem examination later confirmed that Otieno died from a single close-range gunshot wound to the chest.
The recovered firearm and ammunition are awaiting ballistic and forensic analysis, and outstanding witness statements are still being recorded.
