Two students from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) have died and 29 others were injured after a bus carrying mourners overturned near Ahero while travelling to the burial of former student leader Elvis “Beast” Otieno.
The students had travelled from Mombasa to Kisumu to attend Otieno’s burial, according to a statement issued on Friday by TUM Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila U. Abubakar.
The university said the students arrived safely in Kisumu, where they received Otieno’s body after it was flown from Mombasa.
The accident occurred as the convoy proceeded towards the burial venue.
According to Prof. Abubakar, the last bus carrying mourners overturned after its driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming speeding saloon car.
“Tragically, while approaching Ahero, the last bus carrying mourners was involved in a road accident after the driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming over-speeding saloon car,” the statement said.
The university said the driver lost control of the bus during the manoeuvre, causing it to overturn.
“Regrettably, two of our male students lost their lives in the accident,” Prof. Abubakar said.
Another 29 students sustained injuries and were taken to Lisa Hospital in Ahero and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment.
The university thanked emergency responders, medical personnel, security agencies and members of the public who assisted the students following the crash.
“We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the emergency responders, medical personnel, security agencies and members of the public who responded swiftly and compassionately to assist our students following the accident,” Prof. Abubakar said.
She also conveyed condolences to the families of the two students and the wider university community.
“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,” she said.
TUM said it was closely monitoring the situation and providing support to the affected students.
The university also urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the accident.
