The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is mourning the death of its Youth League leader and former Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) student leader Elvis Otieno, popularly known as “The Beast,” who died in Mombasa on Monday after suffering an epileptic attack that triggered a fatal fall.
Otieno had spent the previous day with friends at English Point in Nyali watching the FIFA World Cup final before the sudden medical emergency claimed his life.
ODM confirmed his death in a statement describing him as an instrumental figure within the party’s youth wing. “We are saddened by the news of the passing of Mr Elvis Otieno, aka The BEAST, a member of the ODM Youth League’s Comrades Chapter and a former student leader at the Technical University of Mombasa,” the party said, adding that he “was outgoing, cheerful and a good mobiliser who dedicated his life to championing the rights of the youth.”
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who had watched the match with Otieno hours before his death, also paid tribute, recalling their final moments together. “Just yesterday, we sat together at English Point in Nyali and watched the FIFA World Cup final. None of us could have imagined that those moments would become our final memories with him,” Omollo said.
Otieno first rose to prominence as president of the Technical University of Mombasa Students Association, where he built a reputation as an outspoken and passionate youth mobiliser. He went on to become an active member of the ODM Youth League’s Comrades Chapter and a familiar figure in Mombasa’s political circles, later gaining recognition through the Kenya Youth Transition Initiative, a platform he used to promote dialogue, mentorship and civic engagement among young people.
Tributes poured in from across the political divide. Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino both mourned him as a close friend and mobiliser whose absence would be deeply felt in Mombasa’s political and community landscape. Others, including Agnes Kagure, remembered his journey from humble beginnings to national student leadership as an inspiration to many young Kenyans.
Omollo said Otieno’s death was a significant loss to his family, friends and the many young people he mentored, extending condolences to his loved ones as funeral arrangements are expected to be announced.
