NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has condoled with the families of 17 Catholic pilgrims who died in a road accident at Salama, Makueni County, while travelling to Subukia National Shrine for the National Prayer Day.
The victims were members of St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish in Mombasa, and were among passengers travelling to the national shrine in Nakuru County when the crash occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday.
In a statement on X, Ruto expressed condolences to the victims’ families, friends, fellow parishioners and the wider Catholic community.
He also wished those injured in the crash a quick recovery and prayed for strength, comfort and peace for those affected by the tragedy.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” Ruto said.
17 Killed In Multi-Vehicle Crash
Police said investigations were underway to establish the circumstances of the crash. Reports from the scene indicated that several other people sustained injuries and were taken to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital for treatment.
The Archbishop of Mombasa, Martin Kivuva, also confirmed the deaths of the 17 pilgrims and called on Catholics to pray for the victims and their families.
Pilgrims Were Heading To Subukia
The pilgrims were travelling to the Subukia National Shrine in Nakuru County for the National Prayer Day, which brought together Catholic faithful from different parts of the country.
The tragedy has plunged the St Mathias Mulumba parish and the wider Catholic community in Mombasa into mourning as families await further information on the victims and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police continue to investigate the accident.
