President William Ruto expressed condolences to the families of 17 pilgrims killed in a road accident near Salama on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. The victims were members of St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church in Mikindani Parish, Mombasa. They were en route to the National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County, for the National Prayer Day when the crash occurred.
The incident took place in Makueni County, along a section of the highway known for frequent traffic accidents. The pilgrims were traveling in a vehicle that lost control, leading to a collision. Local authorities confirmed the number of fatalities as 17, with several others injured. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
This is the second major road accident involving pilgrims in the region this year. In March, a similar incident on the same highway resulted in the deaths of 12 people. Both events have raised concerns about road safety and the need for improved infrastructure. The government has pledged to review transportation policies and enhance emergency response systems.
The National Prayer Day, which the pilgrims were attending, is a significant religious event in Kenya. The tragedy has sparked a wave of mourning across the country, with church leaders and community members organizing vigils in memory of the victims.
