Passaris mourns victims of tragic AMREF aircraft crash
By Ascah Mwango, August 7, 2025Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has joined the nation in mourning the victims of the tragic AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft crash that claimed six lives in Mwihoko, Kiambu County.
In a statement shared on her X account on Thursday, August 7, 2025, Passaris expressed her sorrow over the loss of lives, including health workers and civilians.
She also extended her heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of all the victims, acknowledging the profound grief and pain they must be enduring. The lawmaker called for national unity in honouring the lives lost.
She urged Kenyans to stand in solidarity with those affected, as the country comes to terms with the unfortunate event.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic AMREF aircraft crash in Kiambu County that has claimed the lives of six people, including two doctors, two nurses, and two civilians on the ground. We mourn the loss of these brave health professionals who dedicated their lives to saving others, and the innocent lives lost on the ground. My thoughts and prayers are with their families, colleagues, and all affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” Passaris stated.
6 dead
The crash occurred on Thursday afternoon when a light aircraft operated by AMREF Flying Doctors went down in a residential area near Mwihoko Secondary School in Utawala. Six people were confirmed dead, and at least two others sustained injuries.
The ill-fated aircraft, a Cessna Citation XLS registered as 5Y-FDM, had taken off from Wilson Airport in Nairobi at 2:14 pm. It was heading to Hargeisa, Somalia, on a medical mission. On board were two doctors and two nurses. Tragically, all four perished when the plane crashed shortly after takeoff. Two members of the public who were on the ground also lost their lives.
Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula confirmed the deaths, noting that investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.
AMREF Flying Doctors CEO Stephen Gitau said in a statement that the aircraft had departed Wilson Airport at 2:14 PM and was en route to Hargeisa before the tragic incident occurred.
“At this time, we are cooperating fully with relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts surrounding the situation,” Gitau said.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) also released a preliminary report confirming the accident. The authority said the aircraft lost both radio and radar contact with Air Traffic Control just three minutes after takeoff.
“The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirms an aircraft accident involving a Cessna Citation 560 ambulance aircraft, registration 5Y-FDM, radio call sign FDS03, earlier this afternoon,” part of the statement read.
The report added that the plane disappeared from radar at 2:17 pm and later crashed near Mwihoko Secondary School. The aircraft was carrying four people, all medical personnel, who were part of a life-saving mission to Somalia.
KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao expressed his condolences following the tragedy.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident involving an air ambulance mission. Our immediate priority is to support rescue efforts and provide all necessary assistance to the families affected,” Arao said.
“A full investigation through AAID will be conducted to establish the cause of this accident,” Arao stated. He promised transparency and thoroughness in the probe.