A sad atmosphere enveloped Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) during the repatriation ceremony for Edwin Onyango Otieno, an international student who tragically passed away in a traffic accident. The ceremony took place at the Forensic Medicine Building of Dr. Sardjito Hospital on Saturday, January 4, 2024. It was attended by representatives from the Kenyan Embassy in Jakarta, Ms. Maurine Abungu and Mr. Oscar Ombwayo; UNY Vice Rectors; faculty leaders; lecturers from the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences; and Edwin's peers.
On behalf of UNY’s Rector, Prof. Margana expressed profound condolences, emphasizing the university’s loss. "We have lost a passionate and talented student. It is deeply saddening to gather here to bid him farewell," said the Vice Rector for Research, Collaboration, Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship. Prof. Margana also conveyed UNY’s condolences to the Kenyan Embassy, reflecting the university’s solidarity in this difficult time.
Ms. Maurine Abungu acknowledged UNY’s support in facilitating Edwin’s academic journey and his return to Kenya. “The Kenyan Embassy appreciates UNY for granting this opportunity to our student and for their support during this tragic moment,” she remarked, also extending gratitude to the Indonesian Embassy in Kenya for assisting the process.
The ceremony began with a collective prayer, followed by a moment of silence and a final tribute to Edwin. Emotional farewells from friends and colleagues highlighted his impact during his brief time at UNY. His remains were subsequently flown to Kenya for burial.
Edwin, a student in the undergraduate Sports Science program at UNY's Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, suffered a fatal accident on December 31, 2024, in Kalibawang, Kulon Progo. He joined UNY on January 1, 2024, as a recipient of the UNY DISS Scholarship. Despite his short tenure, Edwin was known for his determination, adaptability, and dedication to his studies. As an international student, he demonstrated exceptional commitment to bridging cross-cultural collaboration in sports science, leaving a lasting impression on the UNY community.
