BREAKING: Mombasa Archbishop Sends Condolences as 17 Catholic Church Members Die on Mombasa Road

Mombasa Archbishop Martin Kivuva and the church in general have been thrown into mourning after 17 Catholic church pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Parish in Mikindani, Mombasa, died in a tragic road accident at Salama in Kilome, Makueni County.

The pilgrims were travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day when the accident occurred at about 1am along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.Photo: Archbishop Martin Kivuva

Archbishop Kivuva confirmed the deaths in a statement, saying the victims were members of St Mathias Mulumba Parish.

The tragedy has left families, friends and fellow worshippers grieving the loss of loved ones who were on their way to a major Catholic religious gathering.

The accident involved a 14-seater matatu and two trailer lorries. Dr Stephen Mwangangi, the Medical Superintendent at Sultan Hamud Sub County Hospital, said all 14 occupants of the matatu died at the scene.

Three people from one of the trailers also lost their lives, bringing the total number of deaths to 17.

Six survivors were treated at Sultan Hamud Sub County Hospital and later discharged.One driver who sustained serious injuries was transferred to Makueni County Referral Hospital for specialised medical care.

Police said the accident happened after two trailer lorries travelling in the same direction collided from behind.

The impact then triggered a second collision involving the matatu, which was travelling towards Nairobi.

The pilgrims had been making their way to Subukia National Shrine, one of Kenya’s major Catholic pilgrimage sites, for the National Prayer Day.

The annual event brings together Catholic faithful from different parts of the country for prayer and worship.

Following the tragedy, Archbishop Kivuva called on Catholics to pray for the souls of those who died and stand with their families during the difficult period.

He also asked the faithful to remember St Mathias Mulumba Parish and the entire Archdiocese of Mombasa in prayer as the church comes to terms with the devastating loss.

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ProfHamo [email protected]