The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) will offer free DNA testing to help identify victims of last Thursday’s AMREF aircraft crash.
The Cessna Citation XLS (5Y-FDM) went down shortly after take-off from Wilson Airport, killing six people — including crew, passengers, and individuals on the ground.
AMREF Flying Doctors identified the victims as Captain Muthuka Munuve, Captain Brian Kimani Miaro, Dr Charles Mugo Njoroge, and Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula.
In a statement on Monday, KEMRI Director General Elijah Songok said the institution’s decision aims to ease the burden on grieving families and expedite the identification process.
“We are more than happy to offer our support, with the hope that it will help bring closure to the bereaved during this difficult period,” Songok stated, adding that KEMRI’s facilities and expertise will be mobilised immediately.
On Saturday, AMREF Flying Doctors CEO Stephen Gitau paid tribute to the crew, noting their dedication and experience.
Captain Munuve had nearly seven years as a captain and check pilot on both the Cessna Citation XLS and Pilatus PC-12, logging more than 10,000 flight hours. Captain Miaro, with over 5,800 flight hours, was an instructor on the PC-12 and was training to become a check pilot.
Dr Njoroge had served for over seven and a half years as a medical doctor, while Nurse Omusula worked for four years and eight months as an emergency flight nurse.
Gitau said all four embodied service and compassion, playing critical roles in delivering lifesaving care across Kenya and beyond.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing. Authorities have recovered the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), although some parts of the FDR remain missing.
Gitau said the search continues in collaboration with the local community and urged residents to assist in locating the remaining components.
He added that AMREF has met with seven families, including those of community members affected by the crash, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and support during the crisis.
