SALAMA, Kenya — At least 17 people were killed in a multiple-vehicle crash along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in the Salama area of Makueni County in the early hours of October 3, 2026. The victims were Catholic pilgrims travelling from St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Parish in Mikindani, Mombasa, toward the National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County, for National Prayer Day.
What Happened
Police said the crash followed an attempted overtaking manoeuvre involving trucks. The collision then involved several vehicles, including a 14-seater matatu carrying the pilgrims. All 17 people in the matatu died. Several other people were injured and taken for medical treatment.
Early reports contained conflicting information about the casualties and vehicles involved. Police later clarified that the driver of one Howo truck survived with serious injuries and was transferred for further treatment. The clarification underscores the importance of relying on verified updates as investigations continue.
Investigation Underway
Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) dispatched a multidisciplinary team to establish the circumstances of the crash, including vehicle inspection and compliance. Authorities have identified the Salama stretch as a road-safety black spot and urged motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking and maintain lane discipline.
A Community in Mourning
The deaths have left families, the Catholic community and the wider Kenyan public mourning. The investigation is expected to provide a clearer account of what led to the fatal collision and whether road, vehicle or driver factors contributed.
For now, officials continue to establish the full circumstances of the Salama accident while families prepare to bury those lost in the tragedy.