AMREF Flying Doctors has officially confirmed the identities of the four individuals who lost their lives in the tragic aircraft accident that occurred in the Mwihoko area, Kiambu County, on Wednesday, August 7.
In a statement delivered by Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager, Stephen Gitau, the organization expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their colleagues, describing the incident as an immense loss to both AMREF Health Africa and the nation.
The accident involved AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft 5Y-FDM, a Cessna Citation 560 ambulance that crashed shortly after takeoff from Wilson Airport en route to Hargeisa, Somalia.
The four victims have been identified as:
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Captain Muthuka Munuve – A captain and check pilot with nearly seven years of service on both the Cessna Citation XLS and the Pilatus PC-12, with over 10,000 hours of flying experience.
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Captain Brian Kimani Miaro – An instructor captain on the Pilatus PC-12 who was transitioning to become a check pilot on the same aircraft, with over 5,800 hours of flight experience.
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Dr Charles Mugo Njoroge – A dedicated medical doctor who served with AMREF for more than seven and a half years.
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Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula – An emergency flight nurse with over four years and eight months of service.
“These were not just professionals; they were heroes,” Gitau said. “All of them took to the skies with purpose to heal, to save, and to serve.”
Update regarding AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft 5Y-FDM
AMREF extended its condolences to the residents of Mwihoko who were affected by the crash and acknowledged the trauma and disruption caused within the community.
The organization confirmed that over the past 24 hours, its crisis teams have been in contact with the families of the deceased and affected community members.
Seven families have been met, and emotional, psychological, and logistical support has been offered.
AMREF acknowledged a total of six fatalities from the crash and stated that psychosocial support is being provided to the families.
Also Read: Mother Recalls Last Moments of 12-Year-Old Daughter Killed in Mwihoko Plane Crash
In collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross, AMREF Flying Doctors has provided displaced families in Mwihoko with essential non-food items.
These include mattresses, blankets, collapsible beds, mosquito nets, soap, and assorted clothing to meet immediate needs.
Update on the aircraft crash in Mwihoko
Gitau also confirmed that the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) have been recovered.
However, some parts of the FDR are still missing. AMREF is working closely with the local community to locate the missing components and appeals to residents to report any items found, as they are critical to the investigation.
The organization is coordinating with government pathologists and investigative authorities to ensure a dignified and accurate identification process for all victims.
AMREF expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation and support received from government agencies and affirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability as the investigation continues.
“This tragedy is a powerful reminder of the risks our medical and aviation teams face every single day to ensure that someone, somewhere often in a remote or inaccessible location gets a second chance at life. Since our founding, we have upheld an unblemished record of service,” Gitau stated.
“Yesterday was not only a day of heartbreaking loss but also the anniversary of the very day in 1957 when AMREF began its work in Kenya braving danger zones, reaching the most remote corners of our continent, and responding to countless emergencies always guided by our unwavering mission to serve humanity with courage, integrity, compassion, and an uncompromising commitment to safety.”
Also Read: KCAA Reveals Fresh Details of Aircraft That Crashed in Mwihoko
As the organization mourns, it reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the mission of its fallen colleagues.
“For further details or assistance, reach us via: +254 706 811 811. Our teams are ready to listen, assist, and walk this journey with you,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the black box of the ill-fated aircraft, which was initially declared missing, has been found.
This was confirmed on Friday by Fred Kabunge, the chief investigator of aircraft accidents at the State Department of Transport, coming just hours after an appeal to the public. The search for the black box began on Thursday night.
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