- Retired military and commercial pilot Col. (Rtd) James Gitahi Nguyo has passed away.
- He was involved in a fatal road accident at Kyumvi Junction on Mombasa Highway.
- Gitahi, who flew former Presidents Moi and Kibaki, died after his car collided with a lorry and caught fire.
- He was the husband of ODM’s nominated Senator Betty Batuli Montet.
- Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has mourned him as a distinguished aviator.
Retired Kenyan military and commercial pilot Col. (Rtd) James Gitahi Nguyo, who was well-known for flying former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel arap Moi, has tragically lost his life.
Gitahi perished in a road accident at Kyumvi Junction on Mombasa Highway on Wednesday, March 5, at around 5 PM. His vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming lorry before bursting into flames.
Eyewitnesses report that the retired pilot was overtaking another truck when he misjudged the distance of an approaching lorry. The impact forced his car off the road, where it caught fire, trapping him inside. Unfortunately, emergency responders could not reach him in time, and he died at the scene.
A Distinguished Aviation Career
Col. Gitahi dedicated decades of aviation service, both in the military and commercial sectors. He notably flew former President Moi for nearly 20 years, serving as his designated and trusted pilot. He also flew President Kibaki before retiring from the military in 2010.
Gitahi succeeded Col. Hussein Farrah as Moi’s pilot in 1992, continuing in this role until the former president left office. Despite retiring from the military, Gitahi remained active in aviation, working as a commercial pilot at Wilson Airport.
Throughout his career, he often described the two former presidents as complete opposites—Moi as outgoing and vocal, while Kibaki was reserved and quiet.
Nation Mourns a Distinguished Aviator
Gitahi was the husband of ODM nominated Senator Betty Batuli Montet. Following his passing, leaders and aviation professionals have paid tribute to his contributions.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi described him as an exceptional pilot who played a key role in shaping Kenya’s aviation industry.
“I’m deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Col. (Rtd) James Gitahi Nguyo, the beloved husband of Senator Betty Montet, in a tragic road accident. Col. Nguyo was a distinguished pilot who flew Presidents Moi and Kibaki, along with other top personalities.”
“As a commercial pilot, Col. Gitahi helped redefine air transport in Kenya, mentoring young aviators and ensuring safer skies. My sincere condolences go to Senator Montet and her family during this painful moment. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Gitahi’s legacy in Kenya’s aviation history remains unmatched, having served at the highest levels of both military and civilian aviation. May he rest in peace Retired military and commercial pilot Col. (Rtd) James Gitahi Nguyo has passed away.
