Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has sent heartfelt message of condolence to the families of the 17 Catholic pilgrims who died in a road crash at Salama along the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway at Mlima Kiu in Mukaa Subcounty on Saturday morning.

While renewing his call on the national government to dual the busy highway to avert accidents, Mutula also sent his condolences to the Catholic Church, saying the deaths were a painful reminder of the dangers faced by motorists and passengers plying the route.

In this regard, the governor impressed upon the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to take urgent measures to improve safety at Salama, which he said needed the same attention given to other dangerous sections such as Salgaa and Nithi Bridge.

“I urge the national government through KeNHA to take quick measures and improve safety at Salama and give it the same attention that was taken at dangerous sections of Salgaa and Nithi Bridge,” Mutula said this at Utangwa Catholic Parish in Kithungu-Kitundu Ward in Mbooni West Subcounty where he led a fundraiser for the construction of a Rectory on Sunday.

“I demand the establishment of a Trauma Centre along the highway to provide emergency medical care to crash victims,” he added.

The governor further said that Mombasa-Nairobi Highway was national infrastructure serving road users from across the country besides supporting the economy and neighbouring countries hence the need to make quick interventions in a bid to avert the negative effects that come whenever there is an accident.

On development, Mutula thanked the Catholic Church for supporting development projects in the region while saying his government will continue implementing projects in Water, Energy among others in the area.

By Patrick Nyakundi