A multi-vehicle crash on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway near Salama, Kenya, killed 17 people, most of them Catholic pilgrims, on October 3, 2026. The victims were traveling from Mikindani Parish in Mombasa to the Subukia National Shrine. The crash occurred on Saturday, according to local authorities.
The National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) has sent investigators to the scene to determine the cause of the accident. The crash involved multiple vehicles, though details remain unclear. A local resident, a Catholic man from Mikindani, narrowly avoided the crash by changing his travel plans and taking a separate bus to Subukia.
The Subukia National Shrine is a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics in the region. The Mombasa Catholic Archdiocese has confirmed the identities of the 17 victims and is calling for special prayers and arrangements during Sunday’s church masses. The incident has raised concerns about road safety in Kenya, with critics pointing to the country’s long-standing issues with infrastructure and enforcement.
This is the second major road accident involving pilgrims in the area this year. Previous incidents have highlighted the need for improved safety measures and better regulation of long-distance travel. The government has faced pressure to address the growing number of road fatalities, particularly on major highways.
The crash has sparked discussions about the risks faced by religious travelers and the responsibility of local authorities to ensure safer conditions for such journeys. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
