Accident scene/SCREENGRAB/X
Two students from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) have died, and 29 others were injured after a bus carrying mourners was involved in a road accident near Ahero while travelling to the burial of a former students' leader.
In a statement issued on Friday, Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila U. Abubakar said the students had travelled from Mombasa to Kisumu to attend the burial of former students' leader Elvis "Beast" Otieno.
According to the university, the students arrived safely in Kisumu, where they received Otieno's body after it had been flown from Mombasa.
The accident occurred as the convoy headed towards the burial venue.
Prof. Abubakar said the last bus carrying mourners rolled after the driver attempted to avoid a collision with an oncoming vehicle.
"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 the vehicle to overturn.
"Regrettably, two of our male students lost their lives in the accident," Prof. Abubakar said.
She added that 29 students sustained injuries and were receiving treatment at Lisa Hospital in Ahero and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The university thanked emergency responders and members of the public who assisted those affected after 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," the Vice Chancellor said.
On behalf of the university leadership, Prof. Abubakar conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased 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.
The university also said it was closely monitoring the situation to support the affected students.
The institution urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the incident.
"We urge everyone to refrain from spreading rumours and misinformation or sharing graphic images and videos. Please rely only on official communication sources, and respect the dignity and privacy of those affected," the statement said.
The university also encouraged students and staff affected by the tragedy to seek help through its Guidance and Counselling Services as the institution continued supporting those impacted by the accident.
