Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga joined mourners in Machakos to bid farewell to Colonel (Rtd) James Gitahi, the late husband of ODM-nominated Senator Betty Batuli Montet. Gitahi tragically lost his life in a fatal road accident on March 7 at Kyumvi Junction on Mombasa Highway.
The retired military pilot was involved in a grisly crash when his saloon car collided head-on with an oncoming lorry while attempting to overtake another vehicle. The impact caused his car to burst into flames, and he died on the spot. Eyewitnesses reported that Gitahi was traveling toward Nairobi when the unfortunate accident occurred.
Gitahi had an illustrious career as a military and commercial pilot. He served as a trusted pilot for former President Daniel Arap Moi for nearly two decades and later flew for President Mwai Kibaki between 1992 and 2010 before retiring. Even after leaving the military, he continued his passion for flying, working as a commercial pilot at Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
During a requiem mass held on Friday at Sienna Catholic Church in Kitisuru, Nairobi, Senator Montet shared the depth of her grief, revealing that she had to be hospitalized for two days upon receiving the devastating news of her husband’s passing. “When this happened, I was so crushed that I was in the hospital for two days—it was because of who Jay was to me,” she emotionally recounted.
She further described Gitahi as a responsible and devoted husband, stating, “Jay was a responsible man. We lived a simple life, but he was always there for me.”
The burial ceremony in Machakos was attended by numerous political leaders, including prominent figures from the ODM party and the Senate. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi was among the dignitaries who paid their last respects to the late pilot.
As the funeral service proceeded, mourners celebrated Gitahi’s legacy, recalling his contributions to Kenya’s aviation sector and his unwavering dedication to his family. His tragic passing has left a void in the lives of many, especially his wife, Senator Montet, who continues to mourn the loss of her beloved husband.
