17 Mombasa Pilgrims Killed in Salama Road Crash While Travelling to Subukia

At least 17 Catholic pilgrims from St Matthias Mulumba Catholic Parish in Mikindani, Mombasa, have died in a road accident at Salama along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway in Makueni County.

The crash occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 3, as the pilgrims travelled to the National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County, for the National Prayer Day. Reports indicate that the collision involved several vehicles.

The victims were members of St Matthias Mulumba Parish and were part of a group travelling from Mombasa to attend the national Catholic gathering.

Archdiocese of Mombasa Confirms Deaths

The Archdiocese of Mombasa confirmed the deaths in a message issued through the Archbishop's Office.

Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde expressed grief over what he described as the untimely passing of the 17 pilgrims and asked the Catholic faithful to pray for the deceased and their families.

The Archdiocese also called for prayers for St Matthias Mulumba Parish and the wider Archdiocese of Mombasa as the church community comes to terms with the loss.

Several People Injured

Several other people were injured in the crash and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.

Reports from Sultan Hamud indicate that some survivors were treated and discharged, while at least one seriously injured driver was referred to Makueni County Referral Hospital.

The exact number and condition of all those injured may be subject to further updates as authorities continue documenting the incident.

Investigations Underway

Initial reports have offered differing accounts of how the collision occurred, including claims involving a truck and a possible loss of control. Police are investigating the crash and examining the vehicles involved.

Authorities have not yet issued a final determination on the cause of the accident.

The Nairobi–Mombasa Highway is one of Kenya's major transport corridors, carrying passenger vehicles and heavy commercial traffic between the coast and the capital.

Pilgrimage to Subukia Ends in Tragedy

The pilgrims had been travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day, an annual Catholic gathering that brings together faithful from different parts of Kenya.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over the religious event, with the Catholic community in Mombasa mourning members of one of its parishes.

The Archdiocese of Mombasa has urged the faithful to pray for the repose of the victims' souls and for strength and consolation for their families, parish community and the wider Catholic Church.