Kenyans have been thrown into mourning after a retired Airforce pilot who flew late President Moi for 20 years and later President Kibaki died in a horrific car crash on Mombasa Road.
A retired Airforce pilot Colonel (Rtd) James Gitahi Nguyo died in a horror road crash where the car he was driving collided head on with a lorry and burst into a ball of fire.
His body was burnt beyond recognition after the car was engulfed by a fire on impact when the accident occurred at Kyumvi junction on Nairobi-Mombasa Road. By the time emergency services were arriving at the scene his body had been burnt badly and the car reduced to a shell.
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. Witnesses said 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 where the car and the driver were consumed by the fiery fire.
Speaker of The Senate Amason Kingi described Gitahi – a retired army officer – as a distinguished pilot who flew Presidents Moi and Kibaki and other leading personalities during his career spanning 46 years.
Col. Gitahi, 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.
Col Gitahi was said to be the favourite pilot of the late President Moi whom he flew for over 20 years, along time span considering Moi ruled Kenya for 24 years.
After Moi retired and Kibaki took over, Col Gitahi continued to fly the third president until he retired and became a commercial pilot operating from Wilson Airport.
