KEMRI to conduct free DNA tests for AMREF plane crash victims
Songok noted that KEMRI’s facilities and expertise would be mobilised immediately to carry out the tests.
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) will offer free DNA testing to assist in identifying victims of the AMREF aircraft crash that claimed six lives last Thursday shortly after take-off from Wilson Airport.
The Cessna Citation XLS (5Y-FDM) crash killed all those on board as well as people on the ground. AMREF Flying Doctors identified the victims as Captain Muthuka Munuve, Captain Brian Kimani Miaro, Dr Charles Mugo Njoroge and Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula.
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In a statement on Monday, KEMRI Director General Elijah Songok said the institute would provide the service to ease the burden on bereaved families and fast-track the identification process.
“We are more than happy to offer our support, with the hope that it will help bring closure to the bereaved during this difficult period,” he said.
Songok noted that KEMRI’s facilities and expertise would be mobilised immediately to carry out the tests.
On Saturday, AMREF Flying Doctors CEO Stephen Gitau paid tribute to the four crew members, highlighting their experience and dedication to service.
He said Captain Munuve had served for nearly seven years as a captain and check pilot on the Cessna Citation XLS and Pilatus PC-12, logging over 10,000 flight hours.
Captain Miaro, he added, was an instructor on the PC-12 and was training to become a check pilot, with more than 5,800 hours of flight time.
“Dr Charles Mugo Njoroge served for more than seven and a half years as a dedicated medical doctor, while Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula served as an emergency flight nurse for four years and eight months,” Gitau said.
He described all four as essential to AMREF’s mission, saying their work was rooted in service and compassion and was vital to delivering lifesaving care in Kenya and beyond.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing. The aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) have been recovered, though parts of the FDR are still missing. Gitau said authorities are working with the local community to find the remaining components and appealed to residents for assistance.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to transparency and support for those affected, saying crisis teams have met with seven families, including those of community members impacted by the crash.
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