Two students from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) have died while 29 others sustained injuries after a bus carrying mourners overturned near Ahero, Kisumu County.
The students were travelling from Mombasa to attend the burial of former TUM students’ leader Elvis “Beast” Otieno.
According to the university, the students had 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.
TUM Vice Chancellor Prof Laila U. Abubakar said the last bus in the convoy was involved in the crash after its driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming 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 university said.
The driver reportedly lost control while attempting the manoeuvre, causing the bus to overturn.
“Regrettably, two of our male students lost their lives in the accident,” Prof Abubakar said.
The 29 injured students were taken to Lisa Hospital in Ahero and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment.
The university expressed gratitude to emergency responders, medical personnel, security officers and members of the public who rushed to the scene and assisted the victims.
“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.
The university leadership also sent condolences to the families of the two students and the wider TUM 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 added.
TUM said it was closely monitoring the condition of the injured students and providing support to those affected by the tragedy.
The institution also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, rumours or graphic images of the crash, asking people to rely on official communication channels.
Students and staff affected emotionally by the accident have also been encouraged to seek assistance through the university’s Guidance and Counselling Services.
