A memorial Mass was held at St. Matthias Mulumba Catholic Church in Mikindani, Mombasa, to honor the 16 pilgrims and their driver who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Salama, Makueni County. The Mass was attended by hundreds of worshippers who came to mourn their departed members. Parish priest Father Patrick Mainge led the service, describing the tragedy as a profound wound to the congregation.
The pilgrims, who were on their way to the Subukia Shrine, had been excited and happy when they departed, according to Father Mainge. He recalled that on the Friday before the accident, at 9 o'clock, he had blessed them, and they were all joyful and eager to visit the Marian shrine. The accident has left a deep impact on the community, with many of the pilgrims having made the trip as a spiritual obligation.
Among the deceased was Veronica Ngandi, who had her dowry paid and was set to get married the week after the fatal trip. Her family had completed dowry negotiations in Kitui, and she had planned to formalize the union upon her return from the pilgrimage. Father Mainge shared her story with the mourners, revealing that Ngandi had told him she would come back with her partner and get married.
Another victim, Sarah, had expressed her desire to settle her spiritual obligations before death. According to Father Mainge, Sarah had said that she and her fellow pilgrims did not want to go owing God anything and wanted to settle their debts with Him so that even if they died, they would go while being right with Him. For many in the group, the pilgrimage to Subukia would have been their first visit to the shrine.
Mombasa County Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir attended the memorial Mass and acknowledged the enormity of losing 17 people simultaneously. He promised that the government would not leave the families to bear the financial burden of the burials alone. The governor's presence was a gesture of support to the bereaved families.
A meeting is expected to determine whether the bodies of the deceased will be transported back to Mombasa for burial or interred in their respective home counties. The decision will be made in consultation with the families of the victims. The community is still reeling from the shock of the accident.
The memorial Mass was a poignant reminder of the tragedy that befell the pilgrims. The church was filled with worshippers who came to pay their respects to the deceased. The accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for caution on the roads.
Key points
- One of the pilgrims, Veronica Ngandi, had her dowry paid and was set to get married the week after the fatal trip.
- Mombasa County Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir promised that the government would cover all burial costs for the bereaved families.
- A meeting will be held to determine the burial arrangements for the victims of the accident.
