Church holds special mass for 17 killed in Makueni road accident

A special mass was held at St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church in Mikindani in honour of 16 pilgrims and their driver who perished in a road accident in Salama area, Makueni County.

Parish priest Father Patrick Maingi recounted the final moments of the victims, terming the accident as a major blow to the church, recalling the excitement and joy that marked the beginning of a pilgrimage that ended in tragedy.

“Hawa walikuwa excited sana nakumbuka Ijumaa saa tisa nikiwabariki they were so excited and everyone was happy kila mmoja alikuwa anataka kwenda mlima huu wa bikra maria,” he said.

He also highlighted that a family of one of the deceased was planning a wedding next week but now forced to make funeral plans.

“Walienda Kitui wamelipa mahari akaniambia father I’m going to Subukia nikija naja kwako na my partner kumbe atafunga harusi nyumbani,” he narrated.

“Marehemu Sarapia alikuwa anasema mimi nimezaliwa Taita nimeolewa taita lakini sijawahi pita Voi so naomba raundi hii nipite Voi.”

For the church, the tragedy has left a deep void, as many of the victims were eager to visit the Subukia shrine for the first time.

Leaders who attended the memorial mass pledged government's support to the bereaved families as they prepare to lay their loved ones to rest.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir pledged to stand with the bereaved families.

“Tumekubaliana kama ni gharama zote zikiwa tutaweza kuzisimamia tumekaa na viongozi we will take care of the bills,” he said.

The church, together with the affected families, is expected to hold a meeting to determine whether the bodies of the deceased will be transported to Mombasa before burial or laid to rest in their respective home counties.