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 accident took place in Makueni County, along a section of the highway known for frequent traffic incidents. 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. Emergency services responded quickly but could not save all victims.
This incident marks the second major road accident involving pilgrims in the region this year. Previous reports indicate that the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway has seen a rise in fatal accidents due to poor road conditions and heavy traffic. The government has been urged to improve infrastructure and enhance road safety measures.
The National Prayer Day, which the pilgrims were heading to, is a significant religious event in Kenya. The loss of so many participants has sparked community mourning and calls for greater attention to road safety. President Ruto’s public condolences highlight the national impact of the tragedy.
