Prayers held at Mwihoko plane crash site where 6 lives were lost
Prayers have been held at the scene of the Mwihoko plane crash in Kiambu County, where six people, including four AMREF Flying Doctors staff, tragically lost their lives.
In a video shared by a local TV station on Saturday, August 16, 2025, a pastor could be seen leading prayers as residents and relatives gathered under a tent in an open field, bowing their heads in solemn reflection.
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The pastor continued to pray fervently, asking God to bring an end to such tragedies and to grant quick healing to those who had lost their family members.
“We pray to God to bring an end to such heartbreaking tragedies and to grant quick healing and comfort to those who have lost their loved ones,” the pastor said.
The ground still bore visible scars of the wreckage left behind after the deadly crash.
The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon, August 7, 2025, when a Cessna Citation XLS, registration 5Y-FDM, crashed into a residential area in Mwihoko shortly after takeoff from Wilson Airport.
The aircraft, which was headed to Hargeisa, Somalia, went down just minutes into its flight.
AMREF Flying Doctors confirmed the tragic news in a statement, with CEO Stephen Gitau expressing deep sorrow.
“Our immediate focus is on the safety and well-being of those on board and providing full support to their families and colleagues,” Gitau said.
He added that the organisation is working closely with aviation authorities and emergency response teams to investigate the cause of the crash.
“At this time, we are cooperating fully with relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts surrounding the situation,” he noted.
Gitau further assured the public that AMREF would continue to assist affected families while cooperating with investigators.
“We are also offering all necessary assistance to the authorities as investigations continue,” he added.
He also urged for patience as the probe unfolds.
“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,” Gitau said.
The impact of the crash destroyed part of a home and triggered a massive fire, which spread rapidly. Eyewitnesses recalled a terrifying scene, describing how the plane appeared to spin out of control before exploding on impact.
Some residents claimed they saw attempts by those on board to escape, but the inferno that engulfed the wreckage left no chance of survival.
Thick black smoke rose into the sky, visible from kilometres away, as locals and emergency crews scrambled to the scene.
The Kenya Red Cross was among the first organisations to confirm the incident, noting that response teams had been dispatched immediately.
“A chopper has reportedly crashed in a residential area in Mwihoko, Kiambu County. Response teams are en route to the scene,” the humanitarian organisation said in an update.
Firefighters from Kiambu County later managed to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to more homes, while security personnel—including police and the military—cordoned off the area to facilitate rescue and recovery efforts.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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