Seventeen Catholic pilgrims from St Matthias Mulumba Catholic Parish in Mikindani, Mombasa, have died in a tragic road accident at Salama along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway.
The pilgrims were travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County, to take part in the National Prayer Day when the accident occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday. Reports indicate that the crash involved multiple vehicles, including a 14-seater matatu carrying the pilgrims.
The deaths were confirmed by the Archdiocese of Mombasa, with Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde expressing deep grief over the loss.
“We are saddened with lots of grief to announce the untimely passing on of seventeen (17) pilgrims from St.
Mathias Mulumba, Mikindani, in an accident that occurred at Salama,” Archbishop Kivuva said.
He said the pilgrims had been on their way to Subukia for the National Prayer Day and called on the Catholic faithful to pray for the deceased and their bereaved families.
“Let us pray for the repose of their souls as we pray for their families, St. Mathias Mulumba parish and the Archdiocese as a whole, so that we may find solace and consolation in the Lord,” he added.
The tragedy has cast a sombre mood over the National Prayer Day, as Catholic faithful gathered at the Subukia Shrine to pray for the nation.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also mourned the victims, sending his condolences to their families, relatives and the wider Catholic Church.
“My thoughts and prayers are with their families, relatives, and the entire Catholic Church on this National Prayer Day being marked by Catholics at the Subukia Shrine in Nakuru,” Gachagua said.
He further extended his sympathies to Archbishop Kivuva, the clergy and the Catholic fraternity in Kenya.
“As we pray for our nation, we remember the faithful departed deeply in our hearts and pray for comfort for their families. May the Almighty God grant eternal rest to our faithful departed,” he said.
President William Ruto also sent his condolences to the families, friends, parishioners and the wider Catholic community, praying for strength and comfort for those affected by the tragedy.
The crash has left families, friends and the Catholic community mourning the loss of the pilgrims who were travelling for a day dedicated to prayer.
