President William Ruto issued a condolence message after a road accident on the Salama stretch of the Nairobi‑Mombasa Highway claimed the lives of 17 pilgrims from St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani Parish.

The group was travelling to the National Shrine in Subukia to take part in the National Prayer Day when the crash occurred.

Ruto said he was deeply saddened by the loss and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families, friends, parishioners and the wider Catholic community.

He also wished a swift recovery for those injured in the incident.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua joined the mourning, sending thoughts and prayers to the families and the Catholic Church as the National Prayer Day was observed at the Subukia Shrine.

Former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi expressed sorrow, offering heartfelt condolences to Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde, the clergy and the Catholic fraternity, and prayed for the full recovery of the injured.

Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka also mourned the victims, urging a renewed commitment to road safety and calling on drivers, passengers and transport operators to exercise the highest level of care.