AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft crash. On August 7, 2025, a Cessna Citation XLS

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, dear fellow Kenyans, partners, friends, and members of the Amref Health Africa family,

By Stella Ranji 

We gather today in profound sorrow and unity to mourn the untimely loss of four of our esteemed colleagues in the AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft crash. On August 7, 2025, a Cessna Citation XLS (registration 5Y‑FDM), departing from Wilson Airport en route to Hargeisa, Somalia, tragically descended just three minutes after takeoff into the Mwihoko area of Githurai‑45, Kiambu County, claiming six lives—four onboard and two members of the local community.

The four fallen heroes have been officially named:

  • Captain Muthuka Munuve, a seasoned captain and check pilot on both the Citation XLS and Pilatus PC‑12, with over 10,000 flight hours.

  • Captain Brian Kimani Miaro, an instructor captain on the PC‑12, close to becoming a check pilot, with over 5,800 flight hours

  • Dr. Charles Mugo Njoroge, who served as a devoted medical doctor for over seven and a half years.

  • Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula, an emergency flight nurse with four years and eight months of service

Captain Munuve, Captain Miaro, Dr. Njoroge, and Nurse Omusula were not just professionals—they were heroes, all driven by compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to serving humanity. Their legacy is indelible in our history as a nation and in the fabric of Amref Health Africa.

In addition to the devastation suffered by their families, the crash caused trauma and loss within the Mwihoko community. Our crisis teams have been on the ground supporting seven families—those of the deceased crew members as well as affected community members—with essential non-food items and emotional, psychological, and logistical care We particularly extend our deepest sympathies to the residents of Mwihoko for the disruption and grief they are enduring.

On the investigative front, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority reports that the aircraft lost both radar and radio contact with Air Traffic Control at 14:17 hours—just three minutes post-departure—and subsequently crashed. The Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has launched a full probe, and both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) have been recovered, although efforts continue to locate missing FDR components. AMREF and relevant authorities remain fully cooperative and committed to transparency.

As a nation and as a health community, we are united in grief—and in resolve. We pledge to honour the sacrifices of Captain Munuve, Captain Miaro, Dr. Njoroge, and Nurse Omusula not only through remembrance but through our continued mission to save lives. To the bereaved families, the people of Mwihoko, and all affected, know that you are not alone — we stand with you in solidarity, compassion, and unwavering support.

We thank the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Red Cross, and other emergency services for their swift and compassionate response. Together, we will see this through—rebuilding, healing, and continuing the mission that our fallen heroes so boldly advanced.

May their memories forever inspire us.

Popular posts from this blog

Global Leaders Convene in Nairobi to Forge Path for Climate-Resilient Africa

Image
Global Leaders Convene in Nairobi to Forge Path for Climate-Resilient Africa By Stella Ranji  Nairobi, Kenya – June 30, 2025 — A diverse coalition of global leaders, scientists, faith leaders, and grassroots actors convened in Nairobi today for the opening of the Vatican African Conference on Climate Resilience, a landmark summit aimed at designing a new era of climate adaptation rooted in equity, local knowledge, and science. Hosted at CIFOR-ICRAF, the two-day summit (June 30 – July 1) marks a pivotal step toward shaping a climate-resilient Africa, with an emphasis on decentralising climate policy and financing to reach the continent’s most vulnerable communities. The gathering is co-convened by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS), in collaboration with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) and other regional and international partners. At the heart of the conference is a call for urgent, inclusive, a...
Read more

Cricket Kenya Launches CK T20 League to Honour Past Glory and Usher in New Era

Image
Cricket Kenya Launches CK T20 League to Honour Past Glory and Usher in New Era By Stella Ranji  NAIROBI, August 27, 2025  In a bold move to revive the nation's cricketing legacy and propel the sport into a new era, Cricket Kenya (CK) on Wednesday officially launched the CK T20 League, a franchise-based tournament set to begin this November in Nairobi. The league will pay tribute to Kenya’s golden generation of cricketers — the national teams of 1996 to 2003, who famously elevated the country to global prominence, including a historic semi-final appearance in the 2003 ICC World Cup. The new T20 competition aims to not only honour those achievements but also develop the next wave of cricketing talent in Kenya and across the African continent. The initiative comes after the signing of a lucrative partnership between Cricket Kenya and AOS Sport Tournament, a Dubai/India-based sports promotion company. The collaboration is expected to inject professionalism, visibility,...
Read more

KISM Reaffirms Commitment to Digitizing Public Procurement through EGP System Rollout

Image
KISM Reaffirms Commitment to Digitizing Public Procurement through EGP System Rollout By Wilson Amondo  Nairobi  September 3, 2025 The Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) has reaffirmed its strategic support for the nationwide rollout of the Electronic Government Procurement System (EGPS), positioning supply chain professionals as a critical pillar in modernizing and professionalizing public procurement in Kenya. As a statutory body established under the Supplies Practitioners Management Act (SPMA) No.17 of 2007, KISM is mandated to register, license, train, discipline, and regulate supply chain professionals across the country. With over 28,000 members, the Institute is playing a leading role in facilitating the end-to-end digital transformation of procurement processes. “The rollout of EGPS is not just a government directive—it is a necessary evolution,” said the Institute in a statement released after the recent Heads of Procurement Forum held from Aug...
Read more