Seventeen killed, mostly Catholic pilgrims, in multi-vehicle crash near Mombasa

Late Saturday night, a truck attempting to pass another on the coastal highway near Mombasa lost control, colliding with a convoy that included a van full of Catholic pilgrims. The crash, which occurred in the Salama area, resulted in the deaths of the van’s driver and 16 passengers, most of whom were women traveling to a prayer site in Nakuru County. Archbishop Martin Kivuva said the pilgrims were on a religious journey and expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

President William Ruto offered condolences to the families, friends, and the wider Catholic community mourning the tragedy. Authorities identified the stretch as a “black spot” and the National Transport and Safety Authority urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid dangerous overtaking, and adhere to lane discipline. Road safety concerns across the region were highlighted, citing poor vehicle maintenance, speeding, and inadequate road conditions as contributing factors.