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

The Catholic Church in Mombasa is mourning 17 pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Parish in Mikindani who died in a devastating road accident while travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day.

The crash occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 3, at Mlima Kiu in Salama, along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in Makueni County. The victims were travelling in a Toyota Hiace hired by the parish for the pilgrimage.

Mombasa Archbishop Martin Kivuva confirmed the deaths and expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling on priests, religious leaders and the faithful to pray for the deceased and their bereaved families.

Police said the crash involved several vehicles. Initial accounts indicated that a truck collided with another lorry before the vehicles became involved in a further collision with the van carrying the pilgrims. Investigations into the exact circumstances remain ongoing.

Authorities later clarified that the truck driver, who sustained serious injuries, survived and was transferred from Sultan Hamud Hospital to Makueni County Referral Hospital for specialised treatment. Two other people who were travelling in another vehicle were treated and discharged.

The identities of all 17 pilgrims have since been established, allowing preparations for postmortem examinations at Sultan Hamud Hospital. Their bodies are expected to be transported to Mombasa after the examinations.

The National Transport and Safety Authority has dispatched investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. The section of the highway where the tragedy occurred has also been identified as an accident-prone area.

President William Ruto has joined church leaders in sending condolences to the families, parishioners and the wider Catholic community.

For the Mikindani parish, a journey that began as an expression of faith and prayer has ended in profound grief.

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-10-04-autopsy-set-for-17-pilgrims-killed-in-salama-crash?utm_source=chatgpt.com