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Reports on a crash involving Catholic pilgrims on Kenya’s Nairobi–Mombasa highway gave conflicting death tolls: The Associated Press, The Star and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation reported 17 deaths, while ACI Africa later reported that Bishop Philip Anyolo Muhatia clarified that 15 people had died. The crash occurred shortly after midnight on October 3, 2026, near Salama in Makueni County.
Where and when the crash happened
The collision happened shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 3, along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway near Salama, Makueni County. The Star placed it at Mlima Kiu in Salama, Kilome, and reported the time as about 12:10 a.m. (The Star; The Associated Press).
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Who was travelling in the pilgrims’ vehicle
The parishioners were from St Mathias Mulumba Parish in Mikindani, Mombasa. They were travelling to the Subukia National Shrine in Nakuru County for National Prayer Day, according to The Star and KBC (The Star; KBC).
Why reports give different death tolls
The initial figure of 17 was reported by the Associated Press, The Star and KBC. ACI Africa subsequently reported that Bishop Muhatia clarified the death toll as 15, not 17 as initially communicated by the Archdiocese of Mombasa (ACI Africa).
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The available reports do not reconcile the difference or establish a final official count. Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde’s initial announcement, reproduced by The Star, said: “We are saddened with lots of grief to announce the untimely passing of seventeen (17) pilgrims from St. Mathias Mulumba, Mikindani, in an accident that occurred at Salama.” That statement reflects the initial 17 figure, which was later disputed in reporting.
What is known about the collision sequence
The accounts differ and should not be treated as a settled finding:
- The Associated Press, attributing its account to police, reported that a truck driver attempted to overtake another truck, failed, and collided with several vehicles, including the pilgrims’ van (AP).
- KBC reported that a lorry lost control after brake failure and hit vehicles including a 14-seater matatu (KBC).
The sources available here do not provide a final police investigation finding that resolves these differing descriptions.
What was reported about survivors
KBC reported that seven injured people were taken to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital. The available reporting does not establish their subsequent condition or confirm a final injury total.
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