Veteran commercial pilot Col (Rtd) James Gitahi lost his life in a road crash on the Mombasa highway, after his vehicle collided with a lorry and was engulfed in flames at Kyumvi Junction yesterday.
Gitahi, who was driving alone, died instantly in the 5:30 p.m. accident, with his body suffering severe burns.
Although retired from the military, Gitahi had continued to fly commercial aircraft at Wilson Airport.
According to witnesses, he was en route to Nairobi and attempting to overtake a lorry when he collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle.
Efforts by rescuers to save Gitahi were unsuccessful, and his family was notified of the tragedy after the number plate of his car was circulated.
His charred remains were transported to a mortuary in Machakos, where further tests are pending.
The driver of the other lorry involved in the crash sustained a fractured left leg and is receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Gitahi, who was married to Orange Democratic Movement nominated Senator Betty Batuli Montet, had a distinguished career as a military pilot.
He served as the personal pilot to President Daniel arap Moi for nearly two decades starting in 1992, and later flew President Mwai Kibaki during his time in the military until 2010.
Gitahi succeeded retired Colonel Hussein Farrah, who had served as Moi’s personal pilot since 1984.
