President William Ruto has mourned 17 pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church in Mikindani Parish, Mombasa, who died in the Salama road accident while travelling to Subukia National Shrine in Nakuru County.
The pilgrims were heading to Subukia for the National Prayer Day when the multi-vehicle crash occurred along the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway in Makueni County shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 3.
In a message of condolence, Ruto expressed sympathy with the families, friends, parishioners and the wider Catholic community following the deaths.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 17 pilgrims from St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish, in a road accident at Salama while travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day.”
The president said the government stood with those affected as they came to terms with the loss, while praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved families.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families, friends, parishioners and the entire Catholic community who are mourning this painful loss.”
Ruto also extended his message to those who survived the crash, wishing the injured a swift recovery.
“We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured in the accident.”
The accident involved several vehicles, including the 14-seater matatu carrying the pilgrims. Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision were ongoing.
The 17 victims were members of St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church in Mikindani and were travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day organised by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops
