Amref Flying Doctors has resumed its operations, marking its first mission since the tragic August 7 Mwihoko crash that claimed six lives. The maiden flight, bound for Belgium, was dubbed “Wings of Courage” in honour of the four crew members lost in the accident.
The fatal incident occurred on August 8 when a Cessna Citation air ambulance, registration 5Y-FDM, crashed shortly after take-off from Wilson Airport. The aircraft was en route to Hargeisa, Somalia, on a medical emergency mission when it lost both radar and radio contact with Air Traffic Control within minutes. Moments later, it struck a house in Mwihoko, on the outskirts of Nairobi.
The crash claimed the lives of Captain Muthuka Munuve, Captain Brian Kimani Miarro, Dr Charles Njoroge, and Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula. Two residents of the house also died, while two others sustained injuries and were taken to hospital. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by a fireball and thick smoke billowing from the scene.
In a statement, Amref said the period since the accident had been one of deep mourning and reflection.
“Since the tragic accident that claimed the lives of our four colleagues and two community members, we have taken time to grieve, to reflect, and to draw strength from one another as one family,” the organisation noted.
Resuming flights on Wednesday, the Belgium mission was described as a symbolic step forward.
“Today, as we return to the skies, we carry their spirit in every mile flown, every patient helped, and every life preserved. May their courage and dedication continue to guide our path,” Amref said.
The non-profit pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations into the cause of the crash. Aviation authorities are examining technical, operational, and weather-related factors to establish what led to the fatal accident.
Amref Flying Doctors, renowned for its emergency medical evacuations across Africa and beyond, emphasised that its mission remains unchanged: to save lives with purpose, compassion, and commitment values the fallen crew embodied.
As the organisation takes to the skies once more, “Wings of Courage” serves not just as a tribute, but as a promise to continue their life-saving work in honour of those lost.
