Photos of Catholic Pilgrims Killed in Salama Accident While Travelling to Subukia

Seventeen Catholic pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Parish in Mikindani, Mombasa, died in a tragic road accident at Salama along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway.

The pilgrims were travelling to the Subukia National Shrine in Nakuru County for prayers when the accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday. Their journey was part of preparations to attend the National Prayer Day at the Catholic shrine.

The accident involved several vehicles, including the 14-seater matatu carrying the pilgrims. Reports indicate that the crash happened after a lorry was involved in a series of collisions along the busy highway.

All 17 people travelling in the matatu, including the driver, died in the accident. The tragedy has left relatives, friends and members of the Catholic community mourning the victims.

The Archdiocese of Mombasa confirmed the deaths and released the names of those who lost their lives. The victims included Janet Miito, Florence Atieno, Jane Mwakamba, Josephat Mekonge, Hilkah Orina, Linah Akinyi, Veronicah Musyimi, Martha Nzyoki and Ann Mwanthi.

Other victims were identified as Sarapia Mwarimbo, Scholastica Ochieng, Catherine Joseph, Beatrice Oluoch, Veronica Ngandi, Regina Mwai, Samuel Muigai and Samuel Mwanyasi.

Photos shared following the accident showed the damaged vehicles at the crash scene, while other images captured Catholic faithful mourning the victims.

The deaths have caused grief at St Mathias Mulumba Parish, where fellow worshippers had gathered to pray and receive updates following the tragedy.

Church leaders have called for prayers for the deceased and their families. The Catholic community has also been urged to stand with the affected families as arrangements for the burial of the victims begin.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The probe is expected to establish how the vehicles collided and determine whether factors such as speeding, mechanical problems, driver error or road conditions contributed to the accident.

The Salama tragedy has once again drawn attention to road safety along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, particularly during periods when many travellers use the route for long-distance journeys.

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