Retired Kenyan military and commercial pilot Col. (Rtd) James Gitahi Nguyo, renowned for flying former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel arap Moi, has died.

Gitahi passed away 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.

The accident occurred on Wednesday, March 5, at 5pm, reducing his car to ashes and leaving his body burned beyond recognition. The retired pilot was alone in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Gitahi was the husband of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)'s nominated Senator Betty Batuli Montet.

A collage of Col. (Rtd) James Gitahi on Friday, May 19, 2023 (left) and the presidential jet (right)

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According to witness accounts, the retired military pilot 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.

Unfortunately, emergency responders were unable to reach him on time, leading to his death.

Although retired as a military pilot, Gitahi continued his career as a commercial pilot at Wilson Airport.

In his capacity as a military pilot, Gitahi had the opportunity to fly former President Moi. He flew the former president for nearly two decades and was described as his trusted and designated pilot.

Gitahi also flew former President Kibaki while serving in the military. The Kenya Air Force pilot flew the two former presidents from 1992 to 2010 when he retired.

Gitahi took over in 1992 from retired Colonel Hussein Farrah, who had served under Moi’s administration since 1984.

In his 46-year-long career, Gitahi described the two presidents as opposites. According to the pilot, Moi was more outgoing and outspoken compared to his successor Kibaki, a man of few words.

Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi has sent his condolences to the family and conveyed his message to Senator Montet.

"Col. Nguyo, a retired army officer, was a distinguished pilot who flew Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, as well as other leading personalities during his career. As a commercial pilot, Col. Gitahi helped redefine air transport in our country, ensuring safe skies through the mentorship of upcoming pilots," Speaker Kingi said.

A photo of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki (left) and Daniel Arap Moi (right)

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