At Least 17 Killed in Kenya Crash Involving Catholic Pilgrims

At least 17 people were killed in a road crash in Salama, Kenya, in the early hours of Saturday, with most of the victims reported to be Catholic pilgrims.

The collision occurred on a highway leading to Mombasa after a truck driver tried to overtake another vehicle, according to the source report.

Pilgrims were travelling to Nakuru

Justus Mwanzia, a member of the county assembly, said a minivan carrying 14 pilgrims and its driver collided with the truck. He said everyone in the minivan was killed, along with three people in the truck.

Martin Kivuva, archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, said the pilgrims had been travelling to a prayer site in Nakuru County, west of Nairobi.

In a statement, Kivuva described the church community as being “saddened with lots of grief” following the deaths.

Safety concerns at crash location

Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority described the stretch of road where the crash occurred as a “black spot,” a term used for a location considered particularly hazardous.

The agency said recommendations had been made to address safety concerns at the site. It also urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid dangerous overtaking and observe lane discipline.

President William Ruto offered condolences to the victims’ families, friends, parishioners and the wider Catholic community.

Road crashes remain a major concern across Africa. In Kenya and other countries in the region, accidents are often linked to factors including poorly maintained vehicles, excessive speed and unsafe road conditions.