Benga hitmaker Samidoh has mourned the passing of veteran pilot James Gitahi Nguyo who perished after his vehicle crashed head-on with an oncoming truck along the Mombasa Highway on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
In an emotional tribute to the former military pilot who reigned the skies for more than 44 years, the Urumwe Mbere lyricist mourned Nguyo as a man who took him under his wings and mentored him in life.
“Today has been a hard one, receiving the worst news. A man who took me in as his own, cared for me, and shared the best conversations and worldviews with me is no more,” Samidoh remarked.
“Dad, it’s still unbelievable. I’ll miss your fatherly advice and your soft-spoken nature. Fly high, Colonel (Rtd) James Gitahi.”
Burst into flames
At the time of his death, Nguyo was married to nominated senator Betty Batuli Montet. His vehicle veered off the road from the impact of the head-on collision and burst into flames as onlookers stared from a distance.
In the aftermath, Nguyo was burnt beyond recognition trapped in the wreckage of his car. Authorities revealed that the veteran pilot was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
In an earlier interview during his retirement party, Nguyo reminded his close family, friends and colleagues about gratitude, noting that tomorrow is not promised.
“Every time you breathe, give thanks to God because you do not know what is in store for you,” he implored.
The retired army colonel prided himself in having flown two sitting presidents during his more than 44 years in the skies. After retiring from the army, Nguyo continued flying commercial fixed-wing aircraft at Wilson Airport and coaching upcoming pilots.
Presidential jet
He also said during one of his interviews that the current presidential jet was flown by him from Holland into the country when it was purchased.
“The presidential jet that we have today, I am the one who brought it from Holland, and I used to fly it before I left,” Nguyo revealed during an earlier interview.
At the time of his retirement, Nguyo revealed that he had clocked 220 presidential flights, having flown the late former Presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki.
Senate speaker Amason Kingi equally mourned the veteran pilot noting that he had helped to redefine air transport in the country during his time.
“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,” Kingi stated.
“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.”
