A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed and burst into flames Thursday afternoon in the Sindar region of Western Kenya, near the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
The police reported that five individuals aboard the helicopter perished in the crash, while three survived with injuries.
The three injured survivors have been evacuated by air to a nearby hospital.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge verified the incident.
The county commandant explained that the ill-fated aircraft was one of three helicopters departing from the Cheptulel area.
Kenya’s Chief Of Defense Forces, Francis Ogola, is alleged to have died, together with other top Kenyan army officials.
It was the first to take off but crash-landed shortly thereafter. The county police chief stated that KDF has secured the crash site.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwauria said on social media that an official statement would be released shortly.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening following the incident.
