17 Catholic pilgrims die in Kenya road crash

Sixteen parishioners and their driver died in a road accident on Saturday, October 3, while traveling to the Subukia National Marian Shrine in the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru. The victims were pilgrims from St. Mathias Mulumba Mikindani Parish in the Archdiocese of Mombasa attending the annual National Prayer Day.

The collision occurred after midnight in the Salama area of Makueni County. Police reported that the crash involved several vehicles and occurred when a truck driver failed to overtake another truck, causing a collision with a van carrying the pilgrims. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) stated that the stretch of road where the accident happened is a known black spot. Investigators have been dispatched to determine the exact circumstances of the crash, and the NTSA noted that those injured in the accident are receiving medical treatment.

Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of Mombasa expressed grief over the loss of the pilgrims. Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, also offered condolences, noting the closeness of the bishops to the Archdiocese of Mombasa following the tragedy. Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto also issued a statement of condolence to the bereaved families and the Catholic community.