Six dead as AMREF aircraft crashes in Mwihoko, Kiambu County

First responders at the scene where a light aircraft crashed in a residential area in Mwihoko area, Githurai 45, Nairobi on August 7, 2025. (Photo: Mary Wambui)

By Mary Wambui
Thursday, August 7, 2025

KCAA confirmed that the light aircraft that crashed in the Mwihoko area earlier this afternoon lost both radio and radar contact with Air Traffic Control at 2:17 pm, approximately three minutes after take-off.

Six people were killed after a light aircraft belonging to AMREF crashed in a residential area in the Mwihoko area of Kiambu County on Thursday afternoon.

Githurai 45 sub-county police commander Maurice Odanga confirmed the incident but could not immediately confirm the number of casualties.

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Amateur clips from the site showed multiple security agencies, including the police and the military, aiding in rescue efforts as firefighters from the military and the Kiambu County fire department helped put out the fire that erupted on impact.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the light aircraft that crashed in the Mwihoko area earlier this afternoon lost both radio and radar contact with Air Traffic Control at 2:17 pm, approximately three minutes after take-off.

In a statement, the authority added that the passengers on board were four crew and medical personnel.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident involving an air ambulance mission. Our immediate priority is to support rescue efforts and provide all necessary assistance to the families affected. A full investigation through the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) will be conducted to establish the cause of this accident," KCAA DG Emile Arao said.

AMREF Flying Doctors confirmed that one of its aircraft, Cessna Citation XLS, registration 5Y-FDM, was the one involved in a fatal accident today at Mwihoko area in Githurai 45.

In a statement, the organisation said the aircraft took off from Wilson at 1417 hrs en-route to Hargeisa, Somalia, before crashing in the residential area.

"At this time, we are cooperating fully with relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts surrounding the situation. Our immediate focus is on the safety and well-being of those on board and providing full support to their families and colleagues. We are also offering all necessary assistance to the authorities as investigations continue," the organisation added.

The organisation urged for patience and understanding as they manage the evolving situation "with care and accuracy".

"Further information will be provided as soon as it is confirmed," the statement attributed to Stephen Gitau, CEO and Accountability Manager, adds.

The light aircraft crashed and burst into flames, causing panic amongst the locals as the incident happened in a residential area.

Earlier, Githurai 45 sub-county police commander Maurice Odanga had confirmed the incident but could not immediately confirm the number of casualties.