A tragic road accident occurred on Saturday morning at Salama, Kilome, in Makueni County, along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, claiming the lives of 17 Catholic pilgrims. The pilgrims were traveling to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day when the accident happened around 1am. The vehicle they were in was rammed into by a truck carrying ballast, which may have lost its brakes. Scattered Catholic books and devotional items, such as rosaries, were found at the scene.
The pilgrims were traveling in a vehicle with 16 pilgrims and their driver when the accident occurred. Six survivors were rushed to Sultan Hamud sub-county hospital and discharged on Saturday morning. The driver of the truck that caused the accident suffered serious head injuries and was transferred to Makueni County Referral Hospital. According to Makueni County Commissioner, Khalif Abdullahi, the truck was traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa and overtook several vehicles using the climbing lane before hitting the pilgrims' vehicle.
Khalif Abdullahi explained that the driver's attempt to return to his lane was futile, leading to a chain collision with several other vehicles. The accident has thrown 17 families into mourning. Sarah Nashivanda, who lost her mother in the crash, recounted their last moments before the accident, saying they spoke hours before they left for Subukia Shrine in Nakuru County.
Margaret Muregi, a faithful who lost four friends in the accident, said the pilgrims left in two shuttles, but one was involved in the road crash. Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonda of the Archdiocese of Mombasa shared the news and appealed to Kenyans to pray for the families of the departed. He asked for prayers for the repose of their souls and for the families to find solace and consolation in the Lord.
Father Augustine Lape, a parish priest at the church in Mikindani suburb, said the entourage had been blessed at the church before they started their journey. He stated that they did not believe their driver was speeding and that the occupants who perished were adults. Several leaders, including President William Ruto, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Jubilee party leader Fred Matiang'i, sent condolences to the families of the victims.
President William Ruto expressed his deep sadness over the loss and sent heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, parishioners, and the entire Catholic community. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Jubilee party leader Fred Matiang'i also mourned the 17 pilgrims, praying for the repose of their souls and for God's comfort and strength upon the bereaved.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched an investigation into the Saturday morning crash. NTSA dispatched a multidisciplinary crash investigation team to the scene. Leaders, including Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, extended their condolences to the bereaved families and relatives, as well as the Catholic archdiocese of Mombasa.
Key points
- 17 Catholic pilgrims killed in a road accident in Salama, Kilome, Makueni County.
- The accident occurred when a truck carrying ballast rammed into the pilgrims' vehicle, possibly due to brake failure.
- Leaders, including President William Ruto, have sent condolences to the families of the victims.
