Tragedy in Githurai: AMREF Flying Doctors Aircraft Crash Claims Six Lives

Nairobi — Six people have died following the crash of an AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft in Mwihoko, Githurai, shortly after takeoff from Wilson Airport on Thursday afternoon.

The Cessna Citation XLS, registration 5Y-FDM, was on a medical evacuation mission to Hargeisa, Somaliland, when it lost contact with air traffic control just three minutes after departing at 2:17 p.m. The aircraft plummeted into a residential area near a military base, bursting into flames upon impact.

Among the deceased were the pilot, members of the medical crew, and two residents on the ground. Two others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

AMREF Flying Doctors CEO Stephen Gitau confirmed that the flight was on a humanitarian mission. In a statement, Gitau said efforts to contact the crew via radio and satellite phone were unsuccessful moments after departure.

“We are profoundly saddened by this tragic loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of our fallen colleagues and the affected community members,” Gitau stated. “We are doing everything possible to support those impacted.”

Emergency responders, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), police, Kenya Red Cross, and Kiambu County officials, quickly secured the crash site and began rescue efforts. Bystander footage showed the wreckage engulfed in flames.

Gitau expressed gratitude for the swift response by all involved and confirmed that AMREF is cooperating fully with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies in investigating the cause of the crash.

Air crash investigators will examine flight data, communication records, and debris as part of the ongoing inquiry. AMREF Flying Doctors pledged to provide timely updates as more information becomes available.