ODM mourns youth mobiliser Elvis 'Beast' Otieno

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has joined leaders and Kenyans in mourning the death of youth mobiliser and former student leader Elvis Otieno, popularly known as "The Beast."

The party described Otieno as a dedicated youth leader who championed the rights of young people through the ODM Youth League's Comrades Chapter.

ODM said Otieno was an outgoing, cheerful and effective grassroots mobiliser who devoted his life to advocating for the interests of the youth.

"We are saddened by the news of the passing of Mr Elvis Otieno aka ‘’The Beast’’, a member of the ODM Youth League's Comrades Chapter and a former student leader at the Technical University of Mombasa," the party said.

"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 extended its condolences to his family, friends and relatives, praying for comfort during the difficult period.

Leaders across the political divide also paid tribute to the youth leader, remembering his contribution to grassroots mobilisation and community leadership.

Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, said Otieno's death was a huge loss to Mombasa's political and community landscape.

"A good man has rested. Go well, my brother. Mombasa politics, grassroots mobilisation, and community leadership will never be the same without you. Rest in peace, Otieno—' The Beast.' Gone too soon, and deeply missed," he said.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino described Otieno as a close friend whose death had left him heartbroken.

"You were more than a friend; you were a blessing, a source of joy, and a light in the lives of everyone who knew you. Though you have left this earth, the memories we shared, the kindness you showed, and the love you gave will remain with us forever," Babu said.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said he was deeply saddened by the untimely death of Otieno, whom he described as a passionate youth leader, dedicated community mobiliser and close friend.

According to Omollo, Otieno devoted his time to creating platforms that brought young people together through dialogue, mentorship and positive engagement, including the Kenya Youth Transition Initiative.

"Through the many youth forums and meetings, he organised, such as the Kenya Youth Transition Initiative, he became a respected voice and a source of hope for countless young people," Omollo said.

He revealed that he had spent time with Otieno just a day before his death while watching the FIFA Club World Cup final in Nyali.

"None of us could have imagined that those moments would become our final memories with him. That reality makes his sudden departure even more painful," he said.

Other Kenyans, including Agnes Kagure, also mourned Otieno, describing him as an inspiring youth leader whose journey from Huruma to national student leadership motivated many young people.

"His journey inspired many young people to believe that their backgrounds should never define their future. His sudden passing is a profound loss to the youth movement and to all who believed in, and worked with him," she said.

Joshua Okayo recalled Otieno's time as president of the Technical University of Mombasa Students Association (TUMSA), saying he had hosted him during a tour of coastal universities to mobilise students against the higher education funding model.

Okayo also recounted how Otieno had recently reached out to ask whether he had applied for Judiciary positions so that he could support his application.

"I have lost a comrade. I have lost a brother. Rest in power, my comrade," he said.

Otieno's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many remembering him for his grassroots mobilisation, youth advocacy and commitment to community leadership.