Photo: Courtesy
Siaya Governor James Orengo has led tributes following a tragic road accident involving students from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) along the Awasi–Ahero highway, in an incident that has left several feared dead and others injured.
The students were reportedly travelling from Mombasa to Kisumu County to participate in burial arrangements for their former student leader, Elvis Otieno, popularly known as “Beast.”
What began as a journey of solidarity and remembrance turned into a devastating tragedy, sending shockwaves across the university community and beyond.
In a statement issued shortly after news of the accident emerged, Orengo expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as a heartbreaking moment for the region and the country.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of several university students along the Awasi–Ahero highway. They were traveling from Mombasa to Kisumu to pay their last respects to Elvis Otieno alias ‘Beast,’ former student leader of Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), a journey of solidarity that ended in unimaginable grief,” Orengo said.
The governor extended his condolences to the affected families, friends, and the wider TUM fraternity, acknowledging the pain and emotional toll caused by the sudden loss of young lives.
“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,” he added.
Emergency response teams rushed injured passengers to nearby health facilities, with reports indicating that some victims sustained serious injuries. Authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.