Family, friends, and concerned Kenyans have taken to social media to mourn their loved ones killed in the tragic aircraft crash in Mwihoko, Kiambu county. Jane Omusula was onboard the AMREF light aircraft when it crashed. Photo: Omusula WaOmusula. Source: Facebook The ill-fated AMREF Flying Doctors light aircraft went down a few minutes after departing from Wilson Airport on the afternoon of Thursday, August 7. How many people died in the Mwihoko aircraft crash? Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula, addressing the press, confirmed that a total of six people had died following the tragedy.He reported that out of the six, four were on board the aircraft, including two crew members and two medical personnel. Wafula also noted that the other two were residents of Mwihoko who were on the ground when the plane crashed.
Among the medical personnel who died in the incident was Jane Omusula, a nurse who was part of the AMREF team headed for a rescue mission. The woman’s friends have taken to social media to honour her memory and mourn her tragic death. Alinda Senje, one of her friends, mourned her as an impeccable nurse whose life had been taken too soon. “What a way to sign out, darling, what an exit. Dramatic just like the exceptional critical nurse you were, Omusula WaOmusula. You have me shattered totally,” she said. Okoto Nyuka Bel expressed his shock at learning Jane had passed away in such a tragic manner. “Earlier today an aircraft crashed into a building in Mwihoko, Kiambu County. I expressed my sympathy without knowing that someone I knew personally was among the victims. It is only now that I’ve learnt my former friend, Janet, was also on board. Eeeiy, life is so unpredictable. Rest in peace, Nyar Abandu,” he wrote.
Jane Omusula’s friends mourned her on social media as an impeccable nurse. Photo: Omusula WaOmusula. Source: Facebook Where was the AMREF aircraft headed? AMREF Flying Doctors CEO Stephen Gitau, in a statement, said the aircraft was en route to Hargeisa, Somalia, before it crashed. The team was reportedly going to evacuate sick people before they met their unfortunate and tragic end. A multi-agency team, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service, swiftly cordoned off the area and began conducting rescue and recovery operations. Moreover, the Kenya Red Cross also deployed its rescue teams to the site to offer emergency medical assistance.
According to eyewitnesses, there was a loud bang before a fireball was seen, accompanied by heavy smoke as the plane went down in a violent impact. Several houses caught fire, prompting the residents to intervene before authorities arrived. In images and videos shared online, the debris from the aircraft was seen scattered across the area. Kenyans mourn AMREF nurse killed in Mwihoko crash Many Kenyans expressed disbelief and sent condolences to the victims’ families, with friends of Omusula sharing how deeply her passing had shaken them. Angela Audry Makotsi: “I have been asking myself could it be a different Jane, sadly no.” Sharon Japhlets: “We are still in shock, but it shall be well. This too shall pass.” Sharz Wangari: “Deepest condolences to the family and friends who lost their loved ones.”
By Lynn-Linzer Kibebe
