Several people have died after a bus carrying Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) students was involved in a grisly road accident in Kisumu County on August 7.
The students were traveling from Mombasa to Awasi to attend the funeral of former TUM Students’ President Elvis Otieno, popularly known as “Beast.”
Several other passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital, with some reported to be in critical condition.
“A bus carrying Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) students has reportedly been involved in a road accident along Awasi-Ahero road while ferrying the body of their former student leader(The Beast) home,” a witness reported.
Before the journey, the TUM community had gathered at the university grounds for a Catholic Requiem Holy Mass and a mega fundraising event held in honor of Elvis Otieno.
The Technical University of Mombasa Student Association (TUMSA) confirmed that Elvis Otieno died on July 20.
The memorial brought together family members, friends, fellow students, university stakeholders, and political leaders to celebrate his life and legacy while supporting his family with funeral preparations.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, and Mvita Member of Parliament Mohamed Machele.
According to family arrangements, Elvis’ body was scheduled to be airlifted to Kisumu on August 7, ahead of his burial on August 8 at the family’s rural home in Awasi, Kochogo Village, Kisumu.
Also Read: School Bus Ferrying Students to Music Festival Overturns
Members of the Public Issue Condolences
Members of the public have shared messages of condolence as the university community mourns both the loss of Elvis Otieno and the comrades who perished while traveling to attend his final send-off.
Others lamented that the journey meant to honor a fallen student leader had ended in further loss.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo joined the members of the public in grieving with the families and friends of the bereaved.
“To the grieving families, friends, and the entire TUM comrade fraternity: my thoughts and prayers are with you during this dark hour. May God grant you strength, and may their young souls rest in eternal power,” James Orengo’s condolence message read.
Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and details on casualties.
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Earlier Accidents Reported
The accident involving the TUM comrades comes days after a school bus ferrying students to a music festival overturned in Soimet, Bomet County, on August 2.
Sources reporting on the incidents noted that six people were injured in the Queen of Angels Comprehensive School bus accident.
However, no fatalities were recorded.
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