Machakos, Kenya – Retired Kenyan military and commercial pilot Col. (Rtd) James Gitahi Nguyo has died in a tragic road accident at Kyumvi Junction on Mombasa Highway after his vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming lorry and burst into flames.
Witnesses Describe the Fatal Collision
Gitahi, the husband of nominated Senator Betty Batuli Montet, was alone in the car when the crash occurred on Wednesday, March 5, at around 5:30 pm.
According to witnesses, he was overtaking another lorry when he misjudged the distance of an approaching truck. The impact sent his vehicle off the road, where it caught fire, trapping him inside.
“The fire spread too quickly. We tried to help, but the heat was too intense,” said a boda boda rider at the scene. Emergency responders arrived, but Gitahi was burned beyond recognition.
The lorry driver sustained a fractured left leg and was hospitalized.
Gitahi’s Aviation Legacy: From Military to Commercial Flying
Col. (Rtd) Gitahi was a distinguished aviator with a decorated career spanning both military and civilian aviation. He was the first pilot of Kenya’s Fokker 70 presidential jet and later continued flying commercial fixed-wing aircraft at Wilson Airport after retiring from military service.
Colleagues and aviation experts have mourned his passing, describing him as a mentor and a respected figure in the industry.
“Gitahi was a mentor to many young pilots. His expertise and professionalism were unmatched,” said a close associate from Wilson Airport.
He and his family lived in Maanzoni and also had a residence in Nairobi’s Nyari area.
Authorities Launch Investigation
Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash to determine whether speed, road conditions, or other factors played a role in the accident.
This tragic incident comes amid rising concerns about road safety along the Mombasa Highway, a known accident hotspot.
Related Articles:
- Kenya’s Rising Road Accidents: What’s Causing the Surge?
- How the Fokker 70 Became Kenya’s Presidential Jet
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