Who was Elvis ‘Beast’ Otieno? Short life story of a youth mobiliser
By David Nthua, July 22, 2026Former Technical University of Mombasa student leader Elvis Otieno, popularly known as “Beast,” died on Monday, July 20, 2026.
Otieno collapsed during a meeting with colleagues in Mombasa. He was taken to Premier Hospital in Nyali, where he was pronounced dead.
The incident happened hours after he attended a public viewing of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at English Point in Nyali.
Omollo recalls final moments with Otieno
Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said he had watched the match with Otieno shortly before his death.
“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.
“That reality makes his sudden departure even more painful,” he added.
Omollo described Otieno as a passionate youth leader, community mobiliser and close friend.
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Elvis, a passionate youth leader, dedicated community mobiliser and a close friend whose commitment to empowering young people inspired many who knew him,” he said.
The Technical University of Mombasa confirmed that Otieno collapsed while meeting colleagues. The university did not provide further details about the medical emergency.
“Beast passed away on the night of 20th July 2026 after collapsing during a meeting with his colleagues,” the university stated.
Who was Elvis ‘Beast’ Otieno?
Otieno joined the Technical University of Mombasa as a Diploma in Procurement student. He later pursued a bachelor’s degree in the School of Business and graduated in 2025.
His leadership journey began in 2023 when students elected him as a School of Business delegate.
He later became president of the Technical University of Mombasa Students Association for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The university remembered him as an approachable and dependable leader. He supported students facing financial, academic and personal challenges.
Hours before his death, Otieno had visited the offices of the vice-chancellor and dean of students. He was advocating for a student facing exclusion from examinations because of unpaid fees.
Otieno had already secured a sponsor and was seeking permission for the student to sit the examinations.
After graduating, he continued mentoring students and helping young people access employment and business opportunities. He also operated a beauty business.
The Orange Democratic Movement said Otieno was a member of its Youth League’s Comrades Chapter.
“The Beast, as he was popularly known, was outgoing, cheerful and a good mobiliser who dedicated his life to championing the rights of the youth,” the party stated.
His trademark phrase, “Comrades must enjoy,” remained closely associated with his student leadership.