The scene where a light aircraft belonging to the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) crashed into residential buildings in the Mwihoko area of Ruiru, Kiambu County.
By Peace Muthoka.
Nairobi, Kenya – August 8, 2025 — Kenya is in mourning following the tragic crash of an AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft in Mwihoko, Nairobi, that claimed the lives of four dedicated crew members and two civilians.
The accident, which occurred yesterday, took the lives of Captain Muthuka Munuve, Captain Brian Kimani Miaro, Dr. Charles Mugo Njoroge, and Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula. AMREF described them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to humanity.
Captain Munuve, a highly experienced pilot with over 10,000 flight hours, had served the organisation for nearly seven years. Captain Miaro, an instructor captain with more than 5,800 flight hours, was set to become a check pilot. Dr. Njoroge had dedicated over seven years to medical service, while Nurse Omusula had served as an emergency flight nurse for nearly five years.
“We honour their courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to saving lives,” AMREF said in a statement, adding that their legacy will forever be etched in the organisation’s history and in the heart of the nation.
The organisation also expressed condolences to Mwihoko residents affected by the crash, pledging continued emotional, psychological, and logistical support to the victims’ families. Working with the Kenya Red Cross, AMREF has provided displaced families with essential supplies, including mattresses, blankets, beds, mosquito nets, soap, and clothing.
Investigators have recovered the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, though some parts remain missing. AMREF appealed to residents to assist in locating the remaining components to aid the ongoing investigation.
The tragedy struck on the anniversary of AMREF’s founding in 1957, a date that symbolises decades of lifesaving missions to some of Africa’s most remote and dangerous locations.
“This is a painful reminder of the risks our medical and aviation teams take daily to give someone, somewhere, a second chance at life,” the statement read. “We will honour our fallen heroes not just with words, but with action. Their mission will not end here.”
