The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has confirmed that 15 students injured in a road accident near Ahero, Kisumu County, remain hospitalised, while 14 others have been discharged following treatment.
The crash occurred on Friday as a convoy of mourners travelled from Mombasa to Kisumu to attend the funeral of former student leader Elvis “Beast” Otieno, whose body had earlier been flown from Mombasa. The students had safely reached Kisumu and received Otieno’s body before the accident happened.
According to the university, the last bus in the convoy was approaching Ahero when its driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming, over-speeding saloon car. In the process, the driver lost control of the bus, causing it to overturn.
Two male students died in the crash, while 29 others sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to Lisa Hospital in Ahero and to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) for treatment.
TUM said all 14 students admitted to Lisa Hospital have since been treated and discharged, while 15 others remain under care at JOOTRH. One student was referred to Aga Khan Hospital’s High Dependency Unit for further specialised treatment.
TUM Vice Chancellor Prof Laila U. Abubakar said the institution was mourning alongside the affected families. “We remain deeply saddened by the loss of our two students in the tragic accident,” she said, adding that the families had been informed and were making arrangements to collect the bodies.
The university extended condolences to the bereaved families and the wider TUM community, and thanked emergency responders, medical personnel, security agencies and members of the public who assisted at the scene.
TUM has urged the public to avoid circulating unverified information, graphic images and videos related to the crash, asking Kenyans to rely on its official communication channels for updates. The institution also called for respect for the dignity and privacy of the victims and their families.
Students and staff affected by the tragedy have been encouraged to seek support through the university’s Guidance and Counselling Services as the community continues to process the loss.
The accident comes even as the TUM community remains focused on Otieno’s funeral, with the university saying it continues to stand with his family, friends and former colleagues during this period of mourning.
