By Were Kelly
The African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) Flying Doctors has confirmed the identities of the four crew members who perished in last week’s tragic Mwihoko plane crash, paying heartfelt tribute to their dedication, service, and sacrifice.
The accident occurred on the evening of Thursday, August 7, when a Cessna Citation 560 ambulance aircraft went down in Mwihoko, Githurai 45, Ruiru Constituency, Kiambu County. The crash site—near Mwihoko Secondary School, directly opposite Ngatho AIPCA Church—was left devastated, with all on board killed and additional fatalities reported among local residents.
In a statement, AMREF Flying Doctors described the loss as “immeasurable,” highlighting the distinguished careers and compassionate service of the victims: two pilots, a doctor, and a flight nurse.
“In mourning. In memory. In peace,” the organisation’s tribute read, as messages of condolence poured in from across the region and beyond.
Captain Muthuka Munuve: Calm in the Skies
At the helm of the ill-fated aircraft was Captain Muthuka Munuve, a seasoned pilot with six years and nine months of service at AMREF. A check pilot on both the Cessna Citation XLS and the Pilatus PC-12, Munuve had amassed over 10,000 flight hours.
Known for his calm precision and commitment to safety, Munuve had built a reputation as a steady hand in critical missions, often operating under intense pressure to deliver lifesaving aid.
“He led every mission with unwavering commitment to safety and the highest standard of airmanship,” the organisation said. His loss leaves a profound gap in the Flying Doctors’ operations and in the hearts of those who knew him.
Captain Brian Kimani Miaro: Rising Star in the Cockpit
Sharing the flight deck was Captain Brian Kimani Miaro, who had served with AMREF Flying Doctors for three years and nine months. While newer to the team than Munuve, Kimani was already an accomplished instructor captain on the Pilatus PC-12 and was transitioning to become a check pilot.
With 5,800 flight hours under his belt, Kimani was recognised for his exceptional skill, unwavering professionalism, and dedication to the mission.
“He flew with exceptional skill… and steadfast dedication,” AMREF noted. His career was on a trajectory toward even greater responsibilities—a path tragically cut short.
Dr. Charles Mugo Njoroge: Healing in the Air
In the cabin, Dr. Charles Mugo Njoroge had served AMREF Flying Doctors for seven years and eight months. A devoted medical doctor, Njoroge specialised in bringing advanced medical care to patients during critical air transfers, often in remote or conflict-affected areas.
His colleagues described him as compassionate, skilled, and unflappable in emergencies.
“His compassion and skill left an enduring impact on every life he touched,” read AMREF’s tribute. His absence will be deeply felt not only by his team but also by the countless patients whose lives he helped save.
Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula: Courage and Care in Crisis
Also on board was flight nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula, who hailed from Butere, Kakamega County. In her four years and eight months of service with AMREF Flying Doctors, Omusula became known as a highly skilled emergency nurse who met every challenge with courage, compassion, and professionalism.
“She provided lifesaving care with remarkable courage and a steady presence in the most critical moments,” the organisation said. “Her dedication brought comfort and hope to countless patients.”
Mission to Save, Ended in Tragedy
The Cessna Citation 560 ambulance aircraft was en route to Hargeisa, Somalia, at the time of the crash. While investigations into the cause are ongoing, the tragedy has renewed conversations about the risks faced by emergency response teams who operate in high-pressure, unpredictable environments.
For AMREF Flying Doctors—a service renowned across Africa for its rapid medical evacuations and humanitarian work—the loss is not only professional but deeply personal.
The crash has sparked a wave of public grief, with tributes from medical associations, aviation professionals, and ordinary citizens whose lives have been touched by AMREF’s work. Many have called for greater recognition of the dangers faced by medical evacuation crews and for enhanced safety measures for humanitarian flights.
“This is a reminder of the selfless commitment these teams make every day,” one mourner wrote on social media. “They go where others can’t—or won’t—to save lives.”
As the families, colleagues, and communities of the victims come to terms with the loss, AMREF has vowed to honour their legacy by continuing its mission to deliver urgent medical care across Africa.
“These four heroes embodied our values of excellence, compassion, and dedication,” the organisation stated. “Their legacy will live on in the countless lives they have saved and in the example they have set for future generations of flying doctors.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, with memorial services planned to celebrate the lives and service of Captain Munuve, Captain Kimani, Dr. Njoroge, and Nurse Omusula.
For now, the skies are a little emptier, and the medical community mourns four irreplaceable members—lost in the line of duty, in service to others.
