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AMREF appeals to Mwihoko residents following recovery of aircraft’s black box
09th August, 2025 12:51 AM
The African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) flying doctors has issued an appeal to residents in Mwihoko, Kiambu County, hours after it confirmed the recovery of the aircraft’s black box.
In a statement issued on Friday night, August 8, 2025, the flying doctors urged anyone who may have found or inadvertently retained parts of the aircraft to surrender to them or to the relevant authorities, stating that the components were critical to the investigation.
“We kindly appeal to any residents who may have seen or found these missing components to bring them forward, as they are critical to the investigation,” Stephen Gitau, CEO and Accountable Manager at AMREF Flying Doctors, said.
Black box
This comes after AMREF confirmed the recovery of the black box from its light aircraft that crashed on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Addressing the media on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the crash site, Fred Kabunge, Director of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, said the device was found by police officers who responded quickly after the accident.
Initially, the officers were unaware of the significance of the black box, but later handed it over to the investigation team.
Kabunge confirmed that the recovered black box will aid investigators in understanding the cause of the crash.
“We have managed to recover the recorders, what is popularly known as the black box, which then will aid us in the conduct of the investigation,” he said.
Crash casualties
Six people have been confirmed dead and at least two others injured after the AMREF Flying Doctors light aircraft crashed on Thursday afternoon in a residential area of Mwihoko.
The aircraft was transporting patients and medical personnel when the crash occurred, raising serious concerns about flight safety standards.
Emergency teams responded swiftly to manage rescue and recovery efforts. The investigation continues to explore possible causes such as weather, mechanical failure, or pilot conditions.
AMREF extended condolences to affected families and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. More updates will follow as the probe progresses.
AMREF said the aircraft involved was a Cessna Citation XLS, registration 5Y-FDM. The plane had departed from Wilson Airport at 2:17 pm. and was on its way to Hargeisa, Somalia, before it went down just minutes 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,”Gitau said.
“At this time, we are cooperating fully with relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts surrounding the situation.”
