A multi-vehicle road crash near Salama, Kenya, killed at least 17 people, mostly Catholic pilgrims, on October 3. The incident occurred 90 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. The victims were members of St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish, en route to the Subukia Shrine for a pilgrimage.
The crash, which involved multiple vehicles, resulted in the deaths of the pilgrims. The Mombasa Catholic Archdiocese confirmed the fatalities and urged parish priests to arrange special services during Sunday’s church masses to pray for the victims. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi expressed condolences, mourning the loss of the pilgrims.
This tragedy highlights the dangers of road travel in the region, particularly for religious pilgrimages. The Nairobi-Mombasa Highway is a major route, and while it connects key cities, it also faces challenges such as poor road conditions and heavy traffic. The incident underscores the need for improved safety measures and emergency response along the corridor. The exact cause of the crash is under investigation.
