At least 17 Catholic pilgrims from Mombasa have been killed in a road crash at Salama, along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway in Makueni County.
The group was travelling to Subukia, Nakuru County, for the National Prayer Day. The gathering was scheduled to take place at the National Shrine, drawing worshippers from across Kenya.
The victims were members of St Matthias Mulumba Catholic Parish in Mikindani, Mombasa. Their deaths were confirmed by the Archdiocese of Mombasa in a condolence message issued through the Archbishop’s Office.
Church Mourns the Victims
The Archdiocese expressed sorrow over what it described as the untimely deaths of the 17 pilgrims. Prayers were requested for the victims and those left grieving.
The tragedy has affected the parish and the wider Catholic community in Mombasa. Families are now mourning relatives who had been travelling to take part in a national religious gathering.
Injured Pilgrims Receiving Treatment
Several other people were injured in the crash. They were receiving medical attention, according to the report.
The circumstances that led to the accident had not been established by the time of publication. Further details were expected from the relevant authorities.
The cause of the crash, including the events immediately before it occurred, remained unclear.
Pilgrims Were Headed to Subukia
The National Prayer Day was scheduled to be held at the National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County. Pilgrims from different parts of the country were expected to attend the religious event.
For the families of those killed, the journey has ended in tragedy. The Archdiocese has called for prayers for the repose of the victims’ souls and for comfort for their families, their parish and the wider church community.
As investigations continue, further information about the crash and the injured passengers is expected from the authorities.
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