James Gitahi: Military Pilot Who Flew Presidents Moi & Kibaki Killed In Road Accident

Gitahi lost his life in a tragic road accident at Kyumvi Junction on Mombasa Highway when his vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming lorry and erupted into flames.

Mar 7, 2025 - 16:54

James Gitahi: Military Pilot Who Flew Presidents Moi & Kibaki Killed In Road Accident

Collage of the late James Gitahi who was killed in a road accident on March 6, 2025. /K24.CYPRIAN NYAKUNDI

Retired Kenyan military and commercial pilot Col. (Rtd) James Gitahi Nguyo, renowned for flying former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel arap Moi, died on Thursday, March 6.

Gitahi lost his life in a tragic road accident at Kyumvi Junction on Mombasa Highway when his vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming lorry and erupted into flames.

The accident occurred on Wednesday, March 5, at 5 p.m., completely destroying his car and leaving his body burned beyond recognition. The retired pilot was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Gitahi was the husband of Betty Batuli Montet, a nominated Senator with Kenya's political party, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The remains of the car belonging to Colonel (Rtd) James Gitahi Nguyo after the accident that killed him, March 6, 2025. /THIKA TOWN TODAY

According to witnesses, the retired military pilot was overtaking another lorry when he miscalculated the distance of an approaching truck. The impact forced his vehicle off the road, where it caught fire, trapping him inside. Tragically, emergency responders were unable to reach him in time, resulting in his death.

Gitahi flew his final flight on Friday, May 19, 2023, ending 44 years of an illustrious career in the aviation sector.

The pilot from the Kenya Air Force was only among few individuals trusted to fly a Head of State in Kenya owing to security reasons and Colonel Gitahi gained an impressive reputation as a pilot for flying two Presidents; former Presidents the late Daniel Arap Moi and the late Mwai Kibaki from 1992 to 2010 when he retired.

Gitahi took over in 1992 from retired Colonel Hussein Farrah, who served under Moi's era from 1984. His notable achievements were the over 200 presidential flights he conducted while serving the two presidents.

The man from Trans Nzoia county described his career as a fulfilling one, having served the former Heads of States and being the first to fly the Fokker 70 Extended Range (ER) presidential aircraft.

After retiring from the military, he transitioned into a career as a commercial pilot. As Colonel Gitahi prepared for his last commercial flight, he meticulously ensured that every detail was perfect.

His military background instilled in him an inherent sense of precision and routine. Therefore, he had the privilege of using his last flight to share the experience with his family members, including his wife.

Throughout his final flight, Colonel Gitahi commanded an aircraft he had been flying for the past decade, registered as "Five Yankee Victor Victor Oscar (5Y-VVO)."

This aircraft had become his trusted companion, accumulating over 19,000 flight hours. Its significance extended beyond being a mere machine; it represented years of dedication and countless memories.

As he made his last landing, he was received by Colonel Farah, his partner in the Air Force, and the two were part of the special squadron that flies VIPs. Notably, Gitahi received his training from institutions in Kenya and the United States.

Colonel Gitahi's journey in aviation began with a childhood dream to fly at altitudes above 30,000 feet. This dream led to his enrollment in the Air Force as a student pilot, where he had the privilege of being taken up for his first flight by Colonel Farah.