Kenya Medical Association Mourns Victims of Mwihoko AMREF Plane Crash

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has joined Kenyans in mourning the victims of the Mwihoko plane crash in Kiambu County, describing it as a heartbreaking tragedy that has robbed the nation of dedicated medics and innocent residents.

The accident involved an AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft that went down on Thursday, August 7, 2025, claiming the lives of both on board and on the ground.

The ill-fated Cessna Citation XLS, registration 5Y-FDM, had departed from Wilson Airport at 2:17 pm, bound for Hargeisa, Somalia.

Moments after takeoff, the aircraft crashed in Mwihoko, killing crew members and causing further fatalities in the residential area where it fell.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 10, KMA paid tribute to the fallen crew, describing them as heroes dedicated to saving lives.

“The Kenya Medical Association is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives following the AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft crash in Mwihoko, Kiambu County, on August 7, 2025. We mourn the passing of the dedicated crew as well as the residents whose lives were lost on the ground,” the statement read.

Adding;

“These were not just professionals; they were heroes who dedicated their lives to saving others. Their courage, compassion, and commitment to service will forever be remembered and honoured by the healthcare fraternity. We stand in solidarity with AMREF Flying Doctors, the families of the departed, and the entire healthcare community during this time of immense grief. May we find strength in unity and comfort in the knowledge that their work touched countless lives. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”

Moments before the crash

AMREF Flying Doctors confirmed the crash in a separate statement on Thursday, saying the plane had departed Wilson Airport at 2:17 pm before it went down shortly after takeoff.

“Our immediate focus is on the safety and well-being of those on board and providing full support to their families and colleagues,” Stephen Gitau, CEO and Accountable Manager at AMREF Flying Doctors, said.

Gitau added that the organisation is working closely with aviation authorities and emergency teams to establish the cause of the accident.

“At this time, we are cooperating fully with relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts surrounding the situation,” he said.

He assured the public that AMREF would continue supporting the bereaved families while investigations are underway.

“We are also offering all necessary assistance to the authorities as investigations continue,” he said, urging patience and understanding during the process.

Gitau noted that all verified updates would be released only through AMREF’s official channels.

“Further information will be provided as soon as it is confirmed. We respectfully ask for patience and understanding as we manage this evolving situation with care and accuracy. All official updates will be shared through AMREF Flying Doctors’ official website and social media channels,” the statement concluded.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.