President William Ruto has joined leaders and Kenyans in mourning the death of youth mobiliser and former student leader Elvis Otieno, popularly known as "The Beast".
Ruto described Otieno as a young man who embraced the ideals of good governance and dedicated himself to serving others.
In a condolence message on Thursday, Ruto said Otieno had distinguished himself through his commitment to leadership and advocacy while still a student.
"Elvis Otieno, fondly known as Beast, was an exceptional young Kenyan who embraced the ideals of good governance early in life. As a student at the Technical University of Mombasa, he dedicated his energy and voice to advocating for comrades, believing that leadership and public service could improve lives," the President said.
Ruto described Otieno's death as a significant loss to his family, friends, colleagues and the country's student movement.
"His passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and the wider student movement in Kenya," he said.
The President extended his condolences to Otieno's family, the Technical University of Mombasa community and student leaders across the country.
"I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the Technical University of Mombasa community, and, in a special way, to university students and their elected leaders across the country. May you find strength in this difficult moment, and may Elvis' commitment to leadership, service, and the pursuit of a better society continue to inspire many more young people. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Ruto's message comes days after leaders from across the political divide paid tribute to the youth leader following news of his death.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where Otieno served under the party's Youth League Comrades Chapter, described him as an outgoing, cheerful and dedicated grassroots mobiliser who devoted his life to championing the rights of young people.
The party said his contribution to youth advocacy and student leadership had left a lasting impact on many young people.
Several political leaders also mourned Otieno, remembering him as a committed youth organiser and community leader.
Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, described his death as a huge loss to Mombasa's political and grassroots mobilisation landscape, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino remembered him as a close friend whose kindness and dedication touched many lives.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said he was deeply saddened by the loss of a passionate youth leader and revealed that he had spent time with Otieno just a day before his death while watching the FIFA Club World Cup final in Nyali.
Others, including businesswoman Agnes Kagure and youth leader Joshua Okayo, also paid tribute, describing Otieno as an inspiring leader whose rise from Huruma to the presidency of the Technical University of Mombasa Students Association motivated many young people and reflected his commitment to student welfare and youth empowerment.
Otieno's death has continued to draw an outpouring of tributes from leaders, students and members of the public, many remembering him for his grassroots mobilisation, youth advocacy and dedication to community leadership.
