Mombasa governor Nassir urges calm after 17 pilgrims killed in Salama road accident

Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherriff Nassir has called for public calm following a tragic road accident on Saturday, October 3, 2026, that left 17 pilgrims dead. The incident occurred along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in Salama, Makueni County. In a statement, Governor Nassir urged residents, especially those from St. Mathias Mulumba Parish, to avoid spreading unverified information.

The governor's administration is working closely with relevant authorities to gather details about the tragedy. Governor Nassir has also requested the Makueni County administration to provide immediate medical care and emergency evacuation for the injured. Several individuals were injured in the multi-vehicle collision and were taken to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital for treatment.

Some survivors have since been discharged, while one truck driver has been referred to Makueni County Referral Hospital for specialized care. The victims were members of St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Parish in Mikindani, en route to the National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County, for the National Prayer Day. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to the accident.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations, while the damaged vehicles have been towed to Salama Police Station for further investigation.