Story perspectives

17 Killed in Salama Crash on Nairobi-Mombasa Highway

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 3:25 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President William Ruto expressed condolences after 17 pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Parish died in a Salama crash.
Police said a lorry driver failed to stay in lane, triggering a chain-reaction collision on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
The crash killed the lorry driver, three occupants, a matatu driver and 12 passengers, totaling 17 fatalities.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the Archdiocese of Mombasa also mourned the victims and urged prayers.

History

Historical Context

The Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, part of the Great North Road that moves over half of East African Community trade, has long been accident-prone; 3,179 people died on the combined corridor in 2013. After earlier major crashes spurred safety reforms, Kenya National Highway Authority began a 2015 feasibility study for a dual-carriageway expressway, aiming to cut fatalities and travel time.

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Story summary

President William Ruto expressed condolences after 17 pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Parish died in a Salama crash.
Police said a lorry driver failed to stay in lane, triggering a chain-reaction collision on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
The crash killed the lorry driver, three occupants, a matatu driver and 12 passengers, totaling 17 fatalities.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the Archdiocese of Mombasa also mourned the victims and urged prayers.

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