A sombre cloud hangs over the nation following the tragic crash of an AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft in Mwihoko, Nairobi, that claimed the lives of six people four AMREF staff and two civilians on the ground.
The aircraft, a Cessna Citation 560 registered as 5Y-FDM, was en route to Hargeisa, Somalia, when it went down shortly after takeoff from Wilson Airport.
In an official statement issued today, Stephen Gitau, Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager of AMREF Flying Doctors, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the incident as a national tragedy.
“This is an immense loss not just to the AMREF Health Africa family, but to the entire nation,” said Gitau.
“We honour the lives of Captain Muthuka Munuve, Captain Brian Kimani Miaro, Dr Charles Mugo Njoroge, and Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to humanity.”
The Fallen Heroes
- Captain Muthuka Munuve: Served AMREF for nearly 7 years with over 10,000 flying hours on the Cessna Citation XLS and Pilatus PC-12.
- Captain Brian Kimani Miaro: An instructor pilot on the PC-12 with over 5,800 flight hours, transitioning to become a check pilot.
- Dr. Charles Mugo Njoroge: A medical doctor with over 7.5 years of service with AMREF.
- Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula: An emergency flight nurse with nearly 5 years of dedicated field experience.
“These were not just professionals; they were heroes. All of them took to the skies with purpose to heal, to save, and to serve,” Gitau stated.
The aircraft crashed at around 12:30 p.m. in a densely populated residential area near Githurai 45, bursting into flames on impact.
Two civilians were killed and two others injured. The proximity to a nearby military base enabled rapid first response from Kenya Defence Forces and police, who quickly cordoned off the area.
Local residents described scenes of horror as the flaming aircraft came down, destroying property and shattering the peace of the Mwihoko neighbourhood.
Fire engines and disaster response teams were deployed to contain the blaze and secure the crash site.
AMREF Flying Doctors confirmed that their crisis teams are actively supporting the families of both their staff and the affected community members.
The organisation has met with seven families and is providing emotional, psychological, and logistical support, including non-food relief items through a partnership with the Kenya Red Cross.
“We acknowledge the six fatalities and continue to walk this journey with the families,” Gitau noted.
“We also extend our deepest sympathies to the Mwihoko community, recognising the trauma and disruption this tragedy has caused.”
AMREF confirmed that the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) have been recovered, though some components of the FDR remain missing.
The public has been urged to assist by reporting any found parts, which are critical to the investigation.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, military experts, and pathologists are working collaboratively to determine the cause of the crash and ensure a respectful identification process for all victims.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff at 12:17 p.m., before crashing minutes later in Mwihoko.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft emitting smoke or flames before impact.
In a heartbreaking twist, the crash occurred on August 7, the same date AMREF was founded in 1957.
The organisation had just marked its anniversary of providing life-saving services across Africa.
“Since our founding, we have upheld an unblemished record of service,” Gitau stated. “This tragedy is a painful reminder of the risks our aviation and medical teams take daily. As we mourn, we recommit ourselves to our mission with courage, compassion, and an uncompromising commitment to safety.”
AMREF Flying Doctors has urged the public to remain patient as investigations continue and has assured full transparency in releasing updates
“Their mission will not end here,” Gitau concluded. “We honour our fallen not just with words, but with renewed commitment to service.”
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