A multi-vehicle crash on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway near Salama killed 17 Catholic pilgrims on October 3, 2026. The victims were members of the Mikindani parish in Mombasa, traveling to the Subukia National Shrine for a religious event. Church officials confirmed two shuttles were organized for the pilgrimage, but one bus was involved in the accident.
The crash occurred as the group was en route from Mombasa to the shrine. Emergency services responded to the scene, but the number of injured remains unclear. A local resident reported that one man narrowly avoided the crash by changing his travel plans, allowing him to reach the shrine on a separate bus.
This incident has raised concerns about road safety in Kenya. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The event has once again highlighted the challenges of managing transportation for large religious gatherings, particularly on a national highway. The government faces pressure to improve road infrastructure and safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies.
