17 killed in Kenya crash involving Catholic pilgrims

Deadly highway collision
At least 17 people have been killed in a road crash on a major highway leading to Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa. Most of those killed were Catholic pilgrims travelling to a prayer site in Nakuru County.

Crash occurred in Salama
The collision happened after midnight in the Salama area, about 90km southeast of Nairobi. Police said a truck driver attempted to overtake another truck but failed, triggering a collision involving several vehicles, including a minibus carrying the pilgrims.

Pilgrims among those killed
The minibus driver and 16 passengers, most of them women, died at the scene. The group had been travelling towards a prayer site in Nakuru County, according to Martin Kivuva, archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa.

Catholic community mourns
Archbishop Kivuva expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, saying he and others were grieving the loss. President William Ruto also sent condolences to the victims’ families, friends, parishioners and the wider Catholic community.

Road safety investigation launched
Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority has launched an investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the crash. The agency dispatched investigators to the scene following the accident.

Crash site known as black spot
The transport authority said the section of road where the crash occurred is considered a “black spot” because of safety concerns. It said recommendations had previously been made to address risks along the stretch.

Drivers urged to take caution
The authority urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid dangerous overtaking and observe lane discipline. Road crashes in Kenya are frequently linked to speeding, poorly maintained vehicles and dangerous road conditions.

Wider road safety concerns
The crash highlights continuing road safety challenges in Kenya and across parts of Africa, where serious collisions regularly claim lives. Authorities have repeatedly called for safer driving practices and improved road infrastructure.

Investigation continues
Officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. The deaths have prompted mourning among the Catholic community and renewed attention on safety along one of Kenya’s major highways.