“Walishalipa Mahari” Fresh Details Emerge After Woman Died on Way to Subukia Shrine

For Veronica Ngandi, the journey to Subukia was supposed to be a spiritual trip before she returned home to prepare for an important chapter of her life.

Instead, the Catholic pilgrim became one of the victims of the deadly road accident that claimed 17 lives along the Nairobi Mombasa Highway in Salama, Makueni County.

Veronica was a member of St Matthias Mulumba Catholic Parish in Mikindani, Mombasa. She was among the faithful who had travelled towards the Subukia National Shrine for the National Prayer Day when tragedy struck in the early hours of Saturday.

Her death has left an especially painful memory among those who knew her because she had been making preparations for her marriage.

During a memorial Mass held at the Mikindani parish, Father Patrick Mainge shared details about Veronica’s plans. He said her family had already completed dowry arrangements in Kitui and she was expected to proceed with her wedding plans after returning from the pilgrimage.

According to the priest, Veronica had also spoken to him about her plans before leaving for Subukia. Her trip was therefore expected to be followed by preparations for the next stage of her life.

That future was suddenly cut short by the crash.

The accident involved a Toyota Hiace carrying the Catholic pilgrims and occurred at Mlima Kiu near Salama. Police later confirmed that all 17 occupants of the parish vehicle died. Investigations into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.

The victims were members of the Mikindani parish and were travelling to join thousands of Catholic faithful expected at the Subukia National Shrine for the annual prayer gathering. The Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa confirmed the identities of those who died and called for prayers for their families and the wider parish community.

Back in Mombasa, the tragedy brought relatives, friends and fellow worshippers together for a solemn farewell.

The memorial service became an opportunity for the parish to remember the victims and reflect on the plans and hopes they had before beginning the journey.

For Veronica’s loved ones, the grief is made even harder by the knowledge that she had been preparing for marriage. A journey that began with faith and anticipation ended with a family preparing to bury someone who was looking forward to a new beginning.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/642021-salama-accident-fresh-details-reveal-pilgrim-killed-subukia-shrine-planning-wedding/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8yNzUyNTQ2OTI1OTgyNzkAAR6AagMXcemSOsaHFgO5J3536uWV3yABKYFsYA_uxvE66owpOXpuVAtk-RTLDg_aem_RlMO1numN2i1BVwQOO0MHQ