A tragic road accident occurred on Saturday, October 3, shortly after midnight at Salama along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in Makueni County, claiming the lives of 17 pilgrims. The accident involved a lorry that reportedly lost control after its brakes failed, ramming into several vehicles, including a 14-seater matatu. The Catholic Church confirmed that the victims were parishioners from St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish.
According to Archbishop Martin Kivuva of the Archdiocese of Mombasa, the pilgrims were traveling to the Subukia National Shrine in Nakuru County for prayers during the National Prayer Day. The Archbishop expressed his sadness and grief over the incident, confirming the deaths of the 17 pilgrims. The accident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Seven other victims were rushed to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital for medical attention following the accident. The incident has raised concerns about road safety, particularly during peak travel periods. Authorities have been urged to investigate the cause of the accident and take measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The National Prayer Day, also known as NPD, is an important event in the Catholic calendar, and the pilgrims were heading to the Subukia National Shrine to participate in the prayers. The accident has disrupted the plans of many pilgrims who were expected to attend the event. The Catholic Church has been supportive of the families of the victims, providing them with counseling and other forms of assistance.
The lorry involved in the accident was traveling from an unknown location, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the brake failure. The incident has highlighted the need for regular vehicle maintenance, particularly for commercial vehicles. Authorities have been urged to take action against vehicle owners who fail to maintain their vehicles, leading to accidents.
President Ruto and other leaders have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. The government has also been urged to take measures to improve road safety, including the construction of better roads and the enforcement of traffic laws. The accident has brought attention to the need for increased vigilance on the roads, particularly during peak travel periods.
The accident is one of the recent incidents that have raised concerns about road safety in Kenya. The government has been working to improve road infrastructure and enforce traffic laws, but more needs to be done to prevent such incidents. The Catholic Church has also been calling for increased road safety measures, particularly during events like the National Prayer Day.
Key points
- 17 pilgrims killed in road accident on Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in Makueni County
- Accident occurred when lorry lost control after brake failure, rammed into several vehicles
- Victims were parishioners from St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish, heading to Subukia National Shrine for National Prayer Day
