Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has expressed his condolences following the death of 17 Catholic pilgrims in a road crash along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway at Salama, Makueni County.
Matiang’i mourned the victims who were members of St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Parish in Mikindani, Mombasa County, and were travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County, for the National Prayer Day.
In a statement, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy, extending his condolences to the families and relatives of those who died.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of those we have lost, Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde, the clergy, the St. Mathias Mulumba Parish community and the entire Catholic fraternity in Kenya,” Matiang’i said.
The crash occurred as the pilgrims travelled for the Catholic Church gathering in Subukia, turning what was expected to be a day of prayer into a period of mourning for the affected families and parish community.
Matiang’i also extended his message of solidarity to Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde, the clergy and members of St Mathias Mulumba Parish as they come to terms with the loss.
He said the tragedy had occurred on a significant day for the Catholic faithful, who were gathering for prayer at the National Shrine.
“On this National Prayer Day, we join the faithful in prayer for the repose of their souls and for God’s comfort and strength upon the bereaved,” he said.
The Jubilee Party leader also remembered those who survived the crash and were receiving medical attention.
“We also pray for the full recovery of those injured in this tragedy,” Matiang’i added.
The accident has renewed attention on road safety along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, one of Kenya’s major transport corridors.
The victims’ deaths have also sent shockwaves through the Catholic community in Mombasa, with church leaders and political figures mourning the pilgrims who were travelling to participate in a religious gathering.
Matiang’i concluded his message by asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
“May the Almighty God grant the departed eternal rest,” he said.