Principal Secretary for Interior Dr Raymond Omollo has sent a message of condolence to the family of Technical University of Mombasa student leader Elvis Otieno, alias “The Beast”, following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two students during his funeral procession.
The accident occurred on Friday as students and friends travelled from Mombasa to Awasi in Nyando Constituency to accompany Elvis’ body to his rural home for his final send-off.
Several other students were injured in the crash, with Omollo confirming that most had been discharged from hospital by Saturday morning. Three students, however, remained under medical care.
Speaking when he visited the bereaved family in Awasi, Omollo called for calm and peaceful conduct during the funeral, urging students and mourners who had travelled from different parts of the country to honour Elvis without causing disruptions.
“It’s quite unfortunate. Elvis was a personal friend and we share in the pain that the family has,” Omollo said while conveying his condolences to the family and the student fraternity.
Elvis was remembered as a young leader who was passionate about education, youth empowerment and the development of his community.
Omollo urged young people to emulate the deceased’s commitment to education and service, saying Elvis regularly returned to his village to support his siblings and other members of the community.
“Let’s learn from the life of Elvis. One, he loved education, that is why most of us are here today. He was a student leader, he loved fellow youths, he loved his community,” Omollo said.
The Interior PS also cautioned mourners against engaging in activities that could disrupt the funeral or undermine the dignity of Elvis’ final send-off.
“I want to appeal for calm throughout the day so that we give Elvis the dignity that he deserves, the respect and also just to honour his family,” he said.
Omollo further urged the youth to avoid actions that could damage the goodwill between local leaders, the community and the national government.
“Let’s not get into things that would easily erode a lot of gains and the goodwill that we have both from our leaders who are elected as well as this administration of President William Ruto,” he said.
The PS also conveyed President William Ruto’s condolences to the bereaved family, saying the President had asked him to personally deliver his message of sympathy and assure the family of his support and prayers.
Meanwhile, the government has pledged to support the students affected by the accident.
Omollo said arrangements had been made with the university’s dean of students to facilitate the return of students who travelled from Mombasa for the funeral.
“For those who travelled the bus that had an accident, we have agreed with your dean of students that we will arrange to get transport for you to travel back to Mombasa after the services today,” he said.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over Elvis’ final send-off, with Omollo urging mourners to stand with the bereaved family and allow the funeral to proceed peacefully.
Elvis Otieno is set to be buried later today.
