Full Breakdown
Tragic Salama Highway Crash Claims Lives of 17 Catholic Pilgrims
By Drooid · · How we work
The Fatal Collision
On October 3, 2026, shortly after midnight, a north-bound lorry on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway near Salama lost control, collided with a Toyota Hiace PSV matatu and stopped. The crash killed 17 people and injured several others.
Who Were the Victims
All deceased were parishioners from St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish traveling to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day gathering. Police said the lorry driver, three lorry occupants and 13 pilgrims died at the scene. Seven victims were taken to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 17 (including the lorry driver, three lorry occupants, and 13 pilgrims)
- Injured: at least 7, transported to hospital
- Vehicles involved: lorry, Peugeot, Toyota Noah, 14-seater matatu, Toyota Hiace PSV matatu, Nissan UD, and a van carrying the pilgrims
- Location: Salama, Kilome area, Makueni County, on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway
Official Statements & Responses
President William Ruto expressed sorrow and offered condolences to families and the Catholic community. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sent thoughts and prayers, emphasizing solidarity on National Prayer Day. Archbishop Martin Kivuva confirmed the deaths and urged prayers for the victims’ souls and their families.
Verbatim Quotes
- “May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” — William Ruto
- “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,” — William Ruto
- “My thoughts and prayers are with their families, relatives, and the entire Catholic Church on this National Prayer Day being marked by Catholics at the Subukia Shrine in Nakuru,” — Rigathi Gachagua
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police attribute the loss of control to the lorry driver’s lane error, while KBC reports a brake failure. Both agree the accident involved multiple collisions; details on vehicle maintenance or road conditions remain unavailable.
Why It Matters
The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over National Prayer Day observances and highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on Kenya’s major highways, where overload, driver error and mechanical failures are common. It underscores the need for stricter traffic enforcement and improved vehicle inspections.