The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has confirmed that two students died while 29 others were injured after a bus carrying mourners was involved in a road accident near Ahero, Kisumu County.
In a statement on August 7, TUM Vice Chancellor Laila U. Abubakar stated that the students were travelling from Mombasa to attend the burial of their former student leader, Elvis “Beast” Otieno.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I confirm that the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) community has suffered a tragic road accident involving a bus carrying our students to the burial of their former students’ leader. Two of our male students lost their lives in the accident. Twenty-nine (29) students sustained injuries,” part of the statement read.
The Vice Chancellor said the students had arrived safely in Kisumu, where they received Otieno’s body, which had been flown from Mombasa. However, the accident occurred as the last bus carrying the mourners approached Ahero.
How Fatal Crash Left Two TUM Students Dead
The driver reportedly attempted to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming saloon car travelling at high speed, causing the bus to lose control and roll.
Following the accident, the injured students were taken to Lisa Hospital in Ahero and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment.
In the moments before the crash, some of the students were seen hanging from the moving bus, while others appeared to be sitting on top of the vehicle.
Images from the scene showed that the bus was extensively damaged, with its windscreen shattered and the front section completely crushed.
Emergency responders, police officers and members of the public were also seen at the scene assisting survivors, evacuating the injured to nearby hospitals and helping rescue those trapped inside the wreckage.
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TUM expressed appreciation to emergency responders, medical personnel, security agencies and members of the public who assisted the students after the crash.
The institution also conveyed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the students who died, stating that the university community was mourning the loss together.
“On behalf of the University Council, Management, Senate, staff, students and the entire Technical University of Mombasa fraternity, I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends and colleagues during this painful time. We mourn this immense loss together and pray that the Almighty grants the departed eternal peace while giving their families the strength and comfort to bear this heartbreaking loss,” the statement read.
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Funeral Schedule and Events Leading to Burial
The funeral service for the late Elvis “Beast” Otieno commenced in Mombasa prior to his final burial in Kisumu County.
Otieno’s body was kept at Pandya Memorial Hospital Mortuary in Mombasa following his death on July 20, 2026, as preparations for his funeral got underway.
On July 29, mourners gathered at the mortuary before proceeding to the Technical University of Mombasa, where a public viewing, requiem Mass and fundraising event were held at the university grounds. The Mass was led by St Joseph Catholic Church, Tudor Parish.
The body remained in Mombasa as the family and funeral committee continued with preparations for the final journey to Kisumu County.
On Friday, August 7, the body was flown from Mombasa to Kisumu ahead of the burial at Kochogo Village, Awasi Location, Nyando Sub-County, on Saturday, August 8.
Otieno died on July 20, 2026, after collapsing during a meeting in Nyali, Mombasa.
He was reported to have suffered an epileptic attack and was rushed to Premier Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Otieno was a former president of the Technical University of Mombasa Students Association (TUMSA) and was also known for his involvement in grassroots youth mobilization within the ODM Youth League.
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