Aircraft Crash in Mwihoko Shocks Kiambu Residents
Nairobi, Kenya – August 7, 2025
A tragic aircraft crash in Mwihoko, Kiambu County, has left the community reeling after a Cessna Citation XLS, operated by AMREF Flying Doctors, crashed into a residential area near Githurai 45 on Thursday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 3:25 PM, claimed at least six lives, including four people on board—two doctors and two nurses—and two individuals on the ground. Several others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The aircraft, registered as 5Y-FDM, had taken off from Wilson Airport at 2:14 PM, en route to Hargeisa, Somaliland, on a medical evacuation mission. According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the plane lost radio and radar contact just three minutes after departure, at 2:17 PM, raising immediate concerns about a possible mechanical failure or other technical issues. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft spiraling out of control, with some claiming it burst into flames mid-air before crashing into residential buildings near Mwihoko Secondary School. The impact caused a massive explosion, scattering debris across a 100-meter radius and igniting fires that damaged multiple homes.
“It was terrifying. The plane was flying low, and then we heard a loud bang. It hit several houses before bursting into flames,” said Njeri Wanjiru, a local resident. Videos circulating online showed thick smoke billowing from the crash site as firefighters from Ruiru worked to extinguish the blaze, which had spread to nearby structures. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and National Police Service officers quickly cordoned off the area to secure the scene and assist with rescue operations.
AMREF Flying Doctors confirmed the incident in a statement, expressing sorrow and committing to cooperate fully with aviation authorities and emergency responders to determine the cause of the crash. “Our immediate focus is on the safety and well-being of those on board and providing full support to their families and colleagues,” said Stephen Gitau, CEO of AMREF Flying Doctors.
The Kenya Red Cross was among the first to respond, dispatching emergency teams to the site. The crash site, described as gruesome by onlookers, revealed scattered debris and human remains, underscoring the severity of the tragedy. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, alongside the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID), has launched a probe to uncover the factors leading to the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting a technical fault may have played a role.
This incident adds to a series of aviation accidents in Kenya this year, including a January crash in Malindi that killed three people and a March cargo plane crash in Somalia that claimed five lives. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives in what was meant to be a life-saving mission.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to street.co.ke. If you have information or eyewitness accounts, contact us at info@street.co.ke.