After 30 years ensuring the safety of millions, pushback driver Gerald Muthuka hangs up his reflective vest, leaving a legacy of quiet excellence on the runway.

In an industry often defined by the glamour of pilots and the poise of cabin crew, the true heartbeat of aviation lies on the tarmac. Kenya Airways (KQ) has paused its operations to pay a rare and emotional tribute to Gerald Muthuka, a pushback driver who has been the invisible hand guiding aircraft for over three decades. Muthuka officially retired on Friday, February 6, ending a chapter of service that spanned the modernization of Kenya’s national carrier.

Muthuka’s role was critical: maneuvering massive jets with surgical precision, ensuring they were safely set on their journey. It is a job that demands nerves of steel and absolute discipline, traits that Muthuka embodied every single day for 30 years.

A Hero in High Visibility

The airline’s social media tribute offered a glimpse into the respect Muthuka commanded. Images showed him flanked by colleagues on the runway, his reflective jacket worn like armor, a smile of fulfillment on his face. "We wish him a fulfilling and well-earned retirement," KQ stated, acknowledging the void his departure leaves in the ground operations department.

• The Online Ovation: The tribute sparked a wave of affection from Kenyans online, who flooded the comments with messages of gratitude. In a country hungry for stories of dedication and integrity, Muthuka’s unblemished record struck a chord.
• The Legacy: Muthuka represents the generation of workers who built KQ’s reputation from the ground up—literally. His retirement is a reminder that the Pride of Africa flies high because of the people who keep its wheels on the ground.

The Final Pushback

As Gerald Muthuka walks away from the roar of the engines and the smell of jet fuel, he takes with him the knowledge that he launched thousands of safe journeys. He may not have flown the planes, but for 30 years, they didn’t move without him.

Farewell, Gerald. You have cleared the runway for the last time.