Amref reveals names of plane crash victims

Amref CEO Stephen Gitau and Aviation PS Teresia Mbaika during an update on Mwihoko aircraft crash in Kiambu county. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Amref has released the names of the casualties of the Amref plane that crashed in a residential area in Mwihoko, Kiambu County, on Thursday afternoon.

Amref Flying Doctors Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager, Stephen Gitau, on Friday evening, shared the names of the four Amref personnel after consent from their families.

Captain Brian Kimani Miaro, Captain Muthuka Munuve, Dr Charles Mugo Njoroge and Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula were on board when the plane crashed three minutes after takeoff.

"This is an immense loss - not just to the Amref Health Africa family, but to the entire nation. We honour their lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to humanity. These were not just professionals; they were more than seven and a half years as a dedicated medical doctor," he said at the press briefing.

Gitau also extended sympathies to the affected residents of Mwihoko, stating that Amref's crisis teams have been speaking with them since the tragic incident.

On Friday, they met with seven affected families, including those of Mwihoko, to offer emotional, psychological, and logistical support.

"We recognise the trauma and disruption this has caused in your community, and we stand with you during this painful time. We acknowledge the six fatalities and are providing psychosocial support to their families," he said.

In partnership with the Kenya Red Cross, they have also provided the displaced families with essential non-food items like mattresses, blankets, collapsible beds, mosquito nets, soap and clothing to meet their urgent needs.

Amref is also working closely with government pathologists and investigative agencies to accurately identify the victims. Mr Gitau has also confirmed that the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) have been recovered from the crash site, and they will be used for investigation.

"Some parts of the FDR are still missing, and we continue to work with the local community to locate them. 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," he said.

Mr Gitau clarified that they are not aware of any reports that the Mwihoko residents are demanding money to release parts of the FDR, stating that they have been cooperative.

"On Thursday, we made a call to the residents to return debris, and several parts were returned. We are grateful that they were the first responders when the plane crashed," he said.

The Roads and Transport Ministry's Accident Investigation Department attended the press briefing and assured of speedy investigations.

Coincidentally, on the fateful day of the crash, Amref was commemorating the anniversary of the first day they started working in Kenya in 1957. Mr Gitau emphasized their commitment to medical care provision and safety for citizens.