Colonel (Retired) James Gitahi Nguyo was a towering figure in Kenyan aviation, a man whose life was defined by a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the cockpits of presidential jets and commercial aircraft.
A veteran pilot with over four decades of experience, Gitahi’s career was marked by unparalleled dedication, skill, and an unwavering commitment to serving his country.
Known for flying two of Kenya’s most iconic leaders—former Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki—his legacy is one of precision, professionalism, and profound influence on the aviation industry.
Tragically, his life came to an abrupt end on March 5, 2025, in a devastating road accident, leaving behind a nation in mourning and a story worth celebrating.
Early life
Gitahi was born in a modest village in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, into a family with no prior connection to aviation.
Growing up in a rural setting, the young Gitahi had little exposure to the world of flight beyond the occasional sight of an airplane streaking across the sky.
However, a pivotal moment came when he saw an aircraft up close at a local airstrip—an encounter that ignited a passion he would pursue relentlessly.
Financial constraints and limited resources posed significant barriers, but fate intervened when Gitahi stumbled upon an advertisement for recruitment into the Kenya Air Force (KAF).
Seizing the opportunity, he applied and was accepted, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
“The first time I got near a plane was at the KAF training college. Learning to fly a plane requires a lot of resources, which my family could not afford,” he recalled.
Military career
Gitahi’s aviation training was rigorous and comprehensive, reflecting the high standards of the Kenya Air Force.
He honed his skills at the Moi Airbase in Kenya and later pursued advanced training in prestigious institutions, including those in the United States and the Pakistan Air Force Academy.
His dedication and natural aptitude saw him rise steadily through the ranks, eventually earning him a place in the elite VIP Squadron.
In 1984, Gitahi began his tenure as a co-pilot under Colonel (Retired) Hussein Farah, who flew then-President Daniel arap Moi.
This apprenticeship was a formative period, exposing him to the immense responsibility of transporting the Head of State.
When Farah retired in 1992, Gitahi took over the reins, becoming Moi’s primary fixed-wing pilot—a role he would hold for 17 years until Moi’s retirement in 2002.
His first flight with Moi, as a co-pilot, was a nerve-wracking experience, but Moi’s approachable demeanor put him at ease.
“He was in Kisumu, and it was a night flight. He trusted us, and that made the job easier,” he recalled.
Gitahi’s service extended beyond Moi’s tenure. From 2002 to 2010, he piloted President Mwai Kibaki, accumulating over 220 presidential flights across his career.
“While flying the president, together with my co-pilot, I had to bear in mind that we were holding the fate of the country in the air,” he said.
Throughout his 32 years in the military, Gitahi logged over 19,000 flight hours, a testament to his skill and endurance.
Flying two Presidents
One of the most fascinating aspects of Gitahi’s career was his unique perspective on the personalities of the two presidents he served.
In interviews, he often contrasted Moi’s outgoing nature with Kibaki’s reserved demeanor.
“President Moi was more lively. He was happy to watch wildlife movies or Vitimbi comedies on board and would laugh heartily. He’d come to the cockpit, ask where we were, and show a keen interest in what we were doing,” he said.
Moi’s generosity also left an impression—after flights, he would offer tokens of appreciation, such as money to share with the crew or provisions like a bull for Christmas celebrations at Moi Airbase.
Kibaki, on the other hand, was a man of few words.
“He was a quiet man, basically he used to read a lot of magazines and newspapers,” he said.
To accommodate Kibaki’s habits, Gitahi ensured the aircraft—known locally as Harambee One and internationally as Air Force One—was stocked with reading material.
Despite their differences, both leaders entrusted Gitahi with their safety, a responsibility he carried with pride and precision.
A standout achievement was Gitahi’s role in bringing Kenya’s presidential jet, the Fokker 70 Extended Range (ER), into the country.
“The presidential jet that we have today, I am the one who brought it from Holland,” he revealed.
Transition to civilian life
After retiring from the Kenya Air Force in 2010, Gitahi did not hang up his wings.
Instead, he transitioned into commercial aviation, joining Bluebird Aviation—a company founded by his mentor, Colonel Hussein Farah.
As chief pilot, Gitahi spent 12 years flying commercial fixed-wing aircraft out of Wilson Airport in Nairobi, mentoring a new generation of aviators and ensuring the skies remained safe.
His final flight with Bluebird on May 19, 2023, was a poignant moment—a 30-minute journey to Masinga Dam and back, accompanied by his wife, Senator Betty Batuli Montet, and other passengers.
The landing was met with a water salute, a fitting tribute to a career spanning 44 years.
Gitahi’s influence extended beyond flying.
He expressed a desire to continue contributing to aviation through simulators and training, emphasizing the importance of hard work and passion.
“If you don’t have passion for this job, don’t expect good results,” he advised aspiring pilots.
Personal life
Behind the aviator’s uniform was a devoted family man.
Gitahi met Betty Batuli Montet in 1982 while she was a student at the Government Secretarial College and he was a lieutenant in the KAF.
Their romance blossomed quickly, leading to a marriage that lasted 41 years.
Together, they raised two children, a daughter, now a lawyer with two children of her own, and a son who followed in his father’s footsteps as a pilot, working in Somalia and married to another pilot.
Montet, a nominated senator with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), often spoke of the challenges and joys of being a military wife, crediting their close friends for support during Gitahi’s frequent absences.
Death
On Wednesday, March 5, Gitahi’s illustrious journey came to a heartbreaking close.
Driving alone on the Mombasa Highway, his vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming lorry at Kyumvi Junction in Machakos County.
Witnesses reported that he was overtaking another truck when he misjudged the distance, leading to a catastrophic crash that caused his car to burst into flames.
The veteran pilot, whose body was burned beyond recognition, perished at the scene, leaving a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the nation.