President William Ruto has mourned the death of 17 members of St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish, who died in a grisly road accident at Salama area in Makueni County.

The 17 pilgrims were travelling to Subukia Shrines in Nakuru for the National Prayer Day when their vehicle collided with a truck along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway on Saturday, October 3 at around 1:30 am.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 17 pilgrims from St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish,” President Ruto said. “Our heartfelt condolences go to the families, friends, parishioners and the entire Catholic community who are mourning this painful loss.”

He added: “We stand with them in this difficult moment and pray that God grants them strength, comfort and peace. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured in the accident. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”

All the 17 occupants of the van ferrying the parishioners died on the spot, while six survivors were treated and discharged at Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital. One driver who sustained serious injuries was transferred to Makueni County Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

According to police, the accident occurred after two trailers travelling in the same direction collided from behind, triggering the subsequent crash involving the matatu, which was headed towards Nairobi.

Medical Superintendent at Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital, Dr Stephen Mwangangi, confirmed the fatalities and casualties.

In a statement, Mombasa Archbishop Most Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde expressed deep sorrow over the loss, confirming that all 17 victims were members of the Mikindani parish pilgrimage.

The Archdiocese appealed for prayers for the repose of the victims’ souls and for strength and consolation for their families, the parish and the wider Catholic community as investigations into the fatal crash continue.