Kiambu: Light Aircraft Crashes in Mwihoko Estate, 4 Feared Dead
- A Cessna Citation 560 jet owned by AMREF crashed in Mwihoko, Kiambu county, killing at least two people
- The aircraft had reportedly taken off from Wilson Airport and lost communication with the control tower shortly before the crash
- KDF and police responded swiftly, cordoning the area as residents gathered near the wreckage
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, aviation safety analyst James Mwangi said early signs suggested a technical fault, pending thorough investigation and records review
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Kiambu: Panic gripped Mwihoko area, Githurai 45, after a plane crashed into a residential area near a military base.
Source: Facebook
The incident happened around 2pm on Thursday, killing at least two people.
Initially thought to be a military helicopter, the aircraft was later identified as a Cessna Citation XLS jet, registration number 5Y-FDM, belonging to the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF).
Preliminary reports indicated that it had taken off from Wilson Airport and lost communication with the control tower shortly before crashing.
The plane is believed to have been carrying four people at the time of the incident.
Two fatalities have been confirmed, while the condition of the remaining occupants remains unclear.
How did the AMREF plane crash in Mwihoko?
Eyewitnesses said the aircraft developed technical problems mid-air before it exploded and crashed into residential houses.
One resident said it burst in the air, appeared to struggle with descent, then hit the rooftops of nearby homes.
“It exploded in the air, and while trying to descend, it ended up falling on people’s houses,” said a shaken local.
The aftermath was described as gruesome, with twisted metal scattered across the area and what appeared to be human remains visible in the wreckage.
Videos shared online showed military officers at the scene, moving through debris as emergency responders worked to manage the situation.
Ambulances and firefighting teams arrived shortly after the crash. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and police officers also responded promptly, likely due to the site’s proximity to a nearby military base.
They quickly secured the scene, pushing back onlookers and beginning preliminary investigations.
Source: Facebook
Aviation safety analyst James Mwangi told TUKO.co.ke that while it was too early to make definitive conclusions, early indicators suggested a possible technical fault, as witnesses had described seeing the aircraft struggle mid-air before impact.
He stressed that investigators would need to examine the aircraft’s maintenance records and flight data to establish the exact cause.
“From what we have seen and heard so far, including eyewitness accounts of an explosion in the air, this could point to a mechanical or systems failure. However, only a thorough investigation will confirm what actually happened. The priority now should be to secure the wreckage, recover all relevant data, and ensure the families receive timely information,” he opined.
Residents in shock as authorities launch probe
Peterson, a resident, said he heard a loud bang from inside his house before rushing out to witness the crash site.
“There was smoke everywhere, people were screaming, and debris was scattered. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said.
Another local pointed out the presence of military vehicles and senior officials, saying they seemed to have arrived within minutes of the incident.
Githurai 45 sub-county police commander Maurice Odanga confirmed the crash and said investigations were ongoing.
He urged the public to stay away from the site to allow emergency and investigative teams to carry out their duties.
How did Kenyans react to the crash?
Dozens of Kenyans trooped to social media pages to mourn and condole with families that lost their loved ones in the tragic clash.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga said the accident was shocking and wished the injured crew a quick recovery.
I have learned with shock media reports that an AMREF aircraft has crashed with a number of people, including medical personnel reported to have been killed.
I extend my deep condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to those injured," said Maraga via his X account.
Former Public Service CS Justin Muturi also sent his condolences message, saying the scenes at Mwihoko were heartbreaking.
What happened in Mwihoko today is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks our medical heroes take to serve humanity.
The loss of the AMREF medical crew in the aircraft crash has shaken us all. We mourn with their families and the entire AMREF fraternity.
May their sacrifice never be forgotten. May their souls rest in peace," said Muturi.
Tragedy in Malindi as three die in aircraft crash
The Mwihoko incident added to the nation’s grief just few months after a similarly fatal aircraft crash in Malindi claimed three lives.
The light aircraft went down in the Kwa Chocha area on Friday, January 10, killing a boda boda rider, his passenger, and a bystander.
Reports indicated that the aircraft, which was on a routine training flight, developed a technical fault.
Videos shared online showed the plane in flames as shocked onlookers kept their distance. The crash also sparked a fire that spread to nearby makuti structures before firefighters contained it.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
