AMREF Flying Doctors names victims of Githurai crash, condoles with families

AMREF Flying Doctors has revealed the identities of those on board the plane that crashed in Mwihoko, Githurai 45, on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in two fatalities.

In an update, AMREF CEO Stephen Gitau named the crew as Captain Muthuka Munuve and Captain Brian Kimani Miaro, alongside Dr Charles Mugo Njoroge and nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula.

"This is an immense loss not just to the Amref Health Africa family, but to the entire nation. 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. These were not just professionals; they were heroes,' he said.

According to AMREF, Captain Munuve had nearly seven years’ experience as a captain and check pilot on the Cessna Citation XLS and Pilatus PC-12, logging over 10,000 flight hours.

Captain Miaro, on the other hand, was an instructor captain on the Pilatus PC-12 with over 5,800 hours and was preparing to become a check pilot on the same aircraft.

Dr Njoroge had served as a medical doctor for more than seven years, while Nurse Omusula had over four years as an emergency flight nurse.

"All of them took to the skies with the purpose to heal, to save, and to serve. Their courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to saving lives will forever remain etched in the heart of this organisation and the history of this country," he added.

The organisation went on to mourn two Mwihoko residents, a father and child, who died in the crash.

"We also extend our deepest sympathies to the residents of Mwihoko who were affected by this tragic incident. We recognise the trauma and disruption this has caused in your community, and we stand with you during this painful time. Over the past 24 hours, our crisis teams have been in close contact with the families of our fallen colleagues. Today, we met with seven families, including those of community members affected, offering emotional, psychological, and logistical support. We acknowledge the six fatalities and are providing psychosocial support to their families. We thank the families for taking the time to meet with us," said Gitau.

AMREF, in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross, has provided displaced families with essential supplies, including mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, soap and clothing.

"We are coordinating closely with government pathologists and investigative authorities to ensure a dignified and accurate identification process for all victims. We appreciate the strong cooperation and support we have received from government agencies. We remain committed to transparency and accountability and will continue to share updates as they become available," he added.

The CEO further confirmed the recovery of the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, which were initially reported missing.

"We can confirm that the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), initially reported missing, have now been recovered and will be vital tools in aiding the ongoing investigation. Some parts of the FDR are still missing, and we continue to work with the local community to locate them. We kindly appeal to any residents who may have seen or found these missing components to bring them forward, as they are critical to the investigation," he said.

The crash occurred on the anniversary of AMREF’s founding in 1957. "As we mourn, we also recommit ourselves to honouring the legacy of our fallen heroes not just with words, but with action. Their mission will not end here," said Gitau.

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