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Veteran Pilot James Gitahi Ngunyo on Thursday, March 6 evening lost his life after he was involved in an accident at Kyumvi Junction along the Mombasa highway.
The accident occurred after Ngunyo tried to overtake another lorry but misjudged the distance of an oncoming lorry and collided head-on.
Ngunyo’s vehicle burst into flames as a result and he was trapped inside and was burnt beyond recognition.
Authorities revealed that the veteran pilot was alone in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Ngunyo is the husband of nominated Senator Betty Batuli Montet.
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Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has mourned Ngunyo as a distinguished pilot who helped redefine air transport in Kenya.
“I'm deeply saddened to learn of the untimely demise of Col (Rtd) James Gitahi Nguyo, the beloved husband of Senator Betty Montent, in a road accident at the Machakos Junction on Mombasa Road last evening. Col Nguyo, a retired army man, was a distinguished pilot who flew Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki and other leading personalities during his career.
“As a commercial pilot, Col Gitahi has helped redefine air transport in our country, ensuring safe skies through mentorship of upcoming pilots. I pass my sincere condolences to Senator Montet and her family for this immense loss and pray for God's grace and comfort upon them at this most painful and difficult moment. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Kingi stated.
In a past interview, Ngunyo revealed that he had clocked 220 presidential flights from 1992 to 2010 when he retired from the Kenya Airforce.
After retiring from the military, Ngunyo continued flying commercial fixed-wing aircraft at Wilson Airport.
