President William Ruto has expressed his condolences following the deaths of 17 pilgrims from St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish, in a road accident at Salama along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
The pilgrims were travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day when the accident occurred.
In a condolence message, Ruto said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragic loss of the pilgrims and conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved families, friends, parishioners and the wider Catholic community.
“We stand with them in this difficult moment and pray that God grants them strength, comfort and peace,” the President said.
He also wished those injured in the crash a swift recovery.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” Ruto said.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua too mourned the deaths.
“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.”
“To Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of Mombasa, the clergy and the Catholic fraternity in Kenya, please accept my deepest sympathies on this tragic accident,” he said.
Former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi a said he was saddened by the tragic road crash at Salama along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway affecting 17 people as they travelled to the National Shrine in Subukia for the National Prayer Day.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of those we have lost, Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde, the clergy, the St. Mathias Mulumba Parish community and the entire Catholic fraternity in Kenya.”
“On this National Prayer Day, we join the faithful in prayer for the repose of their souls and for God’s comfort and strength upon the bereaved. We also pray for the full recovery of those injured in this tragedy,” he said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka too mourned the deaths.
“My heart goes out to the bereaved families, relatives and friends and to the entire Catholic fraternity in Kenya. We mourn with you.
I convey my heartfelt sympathies to His Grace Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba, Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, who is hosting the National Prayer Day at the Subukia Shrine; His Grace Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of Mombasa; His Grace Archbishop Dominic Kimengich, Co-Adjutor Archbishop of Mombasa; and all priests, religious, Catholic faithful and pilgrims gathered at Subukia. It is especially painful that this has happened as Kenyans gather in prayer for our nation.”
“We commend our departed brothers and sisters to the mercy of Almighty God. May their souls rest in eternal peace. I pray for the full recovery of those injured and for all who are affected by this loss,” he said.
He added the loss must renew the commitment to road safety and the protection of human life.
“I urge drivers, passengers, transport operators and all road users to exercise the highest level of care and responsibility.”
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