President William Ruto has condoled with the families and the Catholic community following the death of 17 pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish, in a road accident at Salama, Makueni County.
The pilgrims were travelling from Mombasa to the National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County, for the National Prayer Day when the accident occurred along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
In a message shared following the tragedy, President Ruto described the deaths as a painful loss and extended his condolences to the victims' families, friends and fellow parishioners.
“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,” President Ruto said.
The President said the national government stood with the bereaved families and the wider Catholic community as they came to terms with the loss.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families, friends, parishioners and the entire Catholic community who are mourning this painful loss,” he said.
The accident has triggered an outpouring of condolences from leaders and members of the public, as details of the victims and circumstances surrounding the crash continue to emerge.
The 17 pilgrims were among members of the Mombasa parish who had embarked on the journey to Subukia for the annual National Prayer Day, an important event in the Catholic calendar.
Ruto also sent a message of hope to those who survived the crash and were injured, praying for their recovery.
“We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured in the accident,” he said.
The President asked Kenyans to stand with the affected families during the difficult period as arrangements for the victims' identification, burial and other support measures continue.
He concluded his message by offering a prayer for those who died in the crash.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” President Ruto said.
The Salama area along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway has previously witnessed serious road crashes, raising renewed concerns about road safety along the busy transport corridor.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances that led to the latest accident as families and the Catholic community mourn the loss of the 17 pilgrims.