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A tragic aircraft accident in the Mwihoko area of Githurai 45, Kiambu County, has left two people dead and two others critically injured, following the crash of a light medical aircraft belonging to AMREF Flying Doctors. The crash occurred shortly after the plane took off from Wilson Airport, sending shockwaves across the nation and prompting a comprehensive investigation by aviation authorities.
According to AMREF Flying Doctors, the aircraft involved was a Cessna Citation XLS, a light jet typically used for emergency medical evacuations and humanitarian missions. The flight had departed Wilson Airport at 2:17 PM on its way to Hargeisa, Somalia.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low before it crashed into a residential area, where it burst into flames upon impact. Amateur footage widely circulated online showed flames, thick smoke, and emergency responders arriving at the scene.
Authorities have confirmed that two occupants of the aircraft died at the scene, while two others sustained critical injuries and were promptly taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released, pending notification of next of kin.
Emergency services, including police, military personnel, firefighters, and medical teams, responded quickly to the incident. The crash site has since been cordoned off, and local residents have been advised to stay clear of the area to allow for ongoing investigations.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, AMREF Flying Doctors confirmed the accident and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life.
“Our immediate focus is on the safety and well-being of those on board and providing full support to their families and colleagues,” the organisation said.
“We are also cooperating fully with relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts surrounding the situation.”
AMREF has requested the public and media to allow space for the investigation to proceed with accuracy and care.
Residents in the Mwihoko area described the terrifying moment the aircraft came down. “We heard a loud bang and immediately rushed to the scene. The aircraft was already on fire, and some bodies could be seen,” one local witness told reporters.
Several others noted that the plane seemed to struggle before impact, describing an unusually low flight path and a sharp descent just before the crash. Onlookers were kept at a distance by authorities as rescue and recovery efforts were carried out.
A team from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and other investigative bodies has been deployed to determine the exact cause of the accident. Investigators are expected to examine flight data, maintenance records, pilot logs, and environmental conditions at the time of the incident.
Authorities have not ruled out mechanical failure or pilot error but emphasized that conclusions will only be drawn after a thorough review.
Crashes involving light aircraft are relatively common in Kenya, particularly among privately operated or humanitarian aviation services. The latest incident adds to a growing list of air transport accidents recorded in the country in recent years.
Experts have long raised concerns about aviation infrastructure, pilot fatigue, and aircraft maintenance standards, particularly for non-commercial operators. While AMREF Flying Doctors is known for its professionalism and critical humanitarian work, the crash has reignited debates around aviation safety protocols and oversight.
The AMREF plane crash in Githurai is a painful reminder of the risks associated with aviation, even in humanitarian missions. As investigations continue and the country mourns the lives lost, it is hoped that the findings will inform safer practices and preventive measures moving forward. Meanwhile, AMREF has reaffirmed its commitment to support affected families and collaborate fully with authorities during this difficult time.
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