Photos Emerge of 17 Catholic Members Who Died on Mombasa Road While Heading to Subukia

Photos have emerged of the 17 Catholic pilgrims who lost their lives in a devastating road accident while travelling from Mombasa to Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru County for a major prayer gathering.

The tragedy has plunged the Catholic community into mourning after members of St Mathias Mulumba Parish in Mikindani were killed in a multi-vehicle collision along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway at Salama in Makueni County.

The pilgrims had departed from Mombasa on Friday afternoon, intending to join thousands of Catholic faithful who had travelled to the Subukia shrine for the National Prayer Day. However, their journey was cut short when the vehicle carrying them was involved in the fatal crash.

Police confirmed that 17 people died in the accident, while six others sustained injuries and were taken for medical treatment. The bodies of those who died were transported to the mortuary at Sultan Hamud Sub County Hospital as authorities began investigations and families prepared to identify their relatives.

The victims were drawn from various small Christian communities associated with St Mathias Mulumba Parish. A list circulated following the accident reportedly contained the names of 16 parishioners and the driver, although church authorities indicated that the formal identification process was still ongoing.

The accident cast a sombre mood over the National Prayer Day at Subukia Shrine. Catholic bishops and thousands of worshippers gathered for the event while grieving the pilgrims who had died while travelling to participate in the prayers.

Kisumu Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged the Catholic faithful to pray for the deceased and those injured in the crash.

During the prayer service, Bishop Mark Kadima of Bungoma also called on political leaders and their supporters to reject violence as the country approaches the 2027 General Election. He urged Kenyans to embrace peaceful political activities and uphold respect for human life.

President William Ruto joined other national leaders in mourning the victims, describing the incident as a painful loss to the Catholic community. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir were among those who also sent messages of condolence.

The tragedy was made even more emotional by the experience of Cornelius Korir, who had planned to travel with the group but could not secure a seat. He instead boarded another bus and safely reached Subukia, only to later discover that the vehicle carrying his fellow parishioners had crashed and that all 17 people aboard had died.

The incident has renewed concerns about road safety as families, relatives and members of the Catholic community continue to mourn the victims.

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